Rhoptropella facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rhoptropella |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Rhoptropella
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| Species: |
ocellata
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| Approximate distribution
Range (Southern Africa) |
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| Synonyms | |
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The Rhoptropella is a special type of lizard that belongs to the Gekkonidae family, also known as geckos. This group of lizards has only one species in it, making it a monotypic genus. You can only find this gecko naturally in southern Africa.
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Meet the Namaqua Day Gecko
The only species in the Rhoptropella group is called Rhoptropella ocellata. Scientists sometimes discuss exactly which larger group it fits into, but for now, it's the only one of its kind in the Rhoptropella genus.
Different Names for This Gecko
R. ocellata has a few common names. People often call it the Namaqua day gecko, the ocellated day gecko, or the spotted day gecko.
Where Does It Live?
You can find the R. ocellata gecko in the southwestern parts of Namibia and in South Africa, especially in an area called Little Namaqualand.
Its Favorite Places
This gecko loves to live in natural areas like deserts and shrublands. These are its preferred habitats.
What Does It Look Like?
Adult R. ocellata geckos are quite small. Their body length, from their snout to the base of their tail, is about 3 to 4 centimeters (which is about 1.2 to 1.6 inches).
How Do They Have Babies?
The R. ocellata gecko reproduces by laying eggs. This means it is oviparous. Female geckos lay small groups of 1 or 2 eggs at a time. These eggs have hard shells and each one measures about 8.5 by 6.5 millimeters (or about 0.33 by 0.26 inches).
