Ptychozoon

Ptychozoon
Ptychozoon kuhli
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Subphylum: Vertebrata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Sauria
Infraorder: Gekkota
Family: Gekkonidae
Subfamily: Gekkoninae
Genus: Ptychozoon
Kuhl & van Hasselt, 1822

Ptychozoon is a genus of arboreal geckos, endemic to Southeast Asia, known as flying geckos or parachute geckos.[1] They are characterized by cryptic coloration and elaborate webs surrounding the neck, limbs, trunk, and tail.[1] These membranes help to conceal the gecko against trees. When the gecko leaps into the air, the flaps are used to generate lift and allow the gecko to control its fall. It can fly up to 200 feet (60 meters). Also it does a swoop at the end of its flight to land softly. A similar adaptation is found in geckos of the genus Cosymbotus. There are eight described species in the genus Ptychozoon. They are often kept as pets.

Species

The following species are recognized as being valid.[2]

References

  1. 1 2 Malkmus R, Manthey U. 2002. Amphibians & Reptiles of Mount Kinabalu (North Borneo). Germany: A.R.G. 424 pp. ISBN 978-3904144834. (Ptychozoon, pp. 32, 267-268).
  2. "Ptychozoon ". The Reptile Database. www.reptile-database.org.

External links


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