Description:
Scientific name: Homopholis wahlbergii
Life span: 5-10 years
The huge gecko species known as Wahlberg’s velvet gecko (Homopholis wahlbergii) is a member of the Gekkonidae family of lizards. The skin of Wahlberg’s velvet gecko has a velvet-like appearance and feel. The color of the back can range from dark gray to light gray-brown. It may also have mottled pale regions nestled throughout the center of its back and spine, as well as crossbars or chevrons that are paler.
Native Region/Habitat
The Miombo and Mopane bushveld of Botswana, South Africa, Eswatini, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique are home to H. wahlbergii. Zimbabwe is the largest portion of its range. In coastal brush and mesic and desert savannas, H. wahlbergii finds cover under tree bark, boulders, abandoned bird nests, and other places.
Behavior:
Although being a nocturnal species, H. wahlbergii has occasionally been seen being active during the day. It only leaves its customary roost during the night, when courtship typically takes place. It is typically discovered in baobab trees, traditional mud homes, and other human habitations, as well as in their walls and roofs.
Care As a pet/In captivity:
Nothing is known about this species of gecko kept in captivity. As with Wahlberg’s Velvet Gecko, these creatures devour a variety of huge insects, including termites and millipedes as well as grasshoppers and cockroaches.
According to my personal observations, the nocturnal Wahlberg’s Velvet Gecko consumes a wide range of prey and is mostly an insectivore (92%). Beetles made up the majority of their diet both quantitatively (34%) and qualitatively (22%).
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