Ptychozoon kuhli

Ptychozoon kuhli
Ptychozoon kuhli, Kuhl's flying gecko
Not evaluated (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Subphylum: Vertebrata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Sauria
Infraorder: Gekkota
Family: Gekkonidae
Genus: Ptychozoon
Species: P. kuhli
Binomial name
Ptychozoon kuhli
Stejneger, 1902

Ptychozoon kuhli, commonly known as Kuhl's flying gecko or the common flying gecko, is a species of Asian gecko.

Etymology

The specific name, kuhli, is in honor of German zoologist Heinrich Kuhl.[1]

Description

P. kuhli has adaptations to its skin, including flaps on either side of its body, webbed feet, and a flattened tail to allow it to glide over short distances. These geckos have a remarkable camouflage. The flaps of skin along their sides help them blend with tree bark. Often, the eyes are the only way to see them.

Flying geckos, like many other gecko species, have evolved intricate toe pads with microscopic hairs that can adhere to nearly any surface, including glass.

The underside of Kuhl's flying gecko Ptychozoon kuhli. Note the gliding adaptations: flaps of skin on the legs, feet, sides of the body, and on the sides of the head.

Geographic range

P. kuhli is found in Southern Thailand (Nakhon Si Thammarat, Satun, Pattani), Myanmar, northeastern India, Malaysian Peninsula (incl. Pulau Tioman, Johor: Pulau Besar), Nicobar Islands, Indonesia (Sumatra, Java, Borneo, Simalur), and Singapore.

As pets

Flying geckos require among other things a 15-20 gallon terrarium and careful handling. They should be handled as little as possible, due to possible damage to their skin.[2] Flying geckos are insectivorous. In captivity, they feed on crickets, mealworms, superworms and waxworms.

References

  1. ↑ Beolens, Bo; Watkins, Michael; Grayson, Michael. 2011. The Eponym Dictionary of Reptiles. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. xiii + 296 pp. ISBN 978-1-4214-0135-5. (Ptychozoon kuhli, p. 147).
  2. ↑ Flying Geckos - Facts, Pet Supplies Comparison Shopping. Awesome Pet Library. Retrieved January 14, 2011. "As with most tree dwelling or arboreal geckos, it is best not to touch or handle these geckos frequently. Their skin is sensitive and can be damaged easily."

Further reading

Wikispecies has information related to: Ptychozoon kuhli
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