So I spent two days at Waterberg in central Namibia which is sort of an ecological hotspot. I have been tot the area before targeting Pachydactylus waterbergensis but I have had rotten luck. Pretty much the same thing this time around, but on the last night literally as I was heading home I found a group of two so I am super chuffed to have finally ticked this species off my list!
Two adult specimen
I was also targeting Pedioplanis rubens which also only occurs in this very small habitat and found this species too. All and all, a decent two days.
The Chondrodactylus in the area are MUCH larger than what I am used to, but as adults they look identical to the turneri I have seen before, but the juveniles look totally different to C. turneri juveniles, so maybe something for the taxonomists to look into. On a side note, apparently after some revisions/new species, turneri will no longer occur in Namibia, but a few other species will replace what we know as turneri. Will keep you posted.
Juvenile
I would also appreciate any help IDing this skink. I first thought Trachylepis wahlbergii, but now I am leaning towards T. spilogaster. Any thoughts?
Thanx for looking!
"I am dying by inches from not having anybody to talk to about insects." - Charles Darwin