The Genera Rhoptropus and Phelsuma (Reptilia: Gekkonidae) in Southern Africa: A Case of Convergence and a Reconsideration of the Biogeography of Phelsuma

Abstract

The genus Rhoplropella Hewitt, 1937 is shown to be a junior synonym of Phelsuma Gray, 1825 and the genera Phelsuma and Rhoplropus Peters, 1869 are compared. It is pointed out that Phelsuma ocettata shows a great deal of convergence with Rhoplropus but that both of these forms exhibit their own distinctive derived character combinations. The distribution pattern of Phelsuma on the main-land of Africa and on Madagascar is reviewed inthe light of current theories of biogeography and past continental relationships. It is suggested that the distribution of Phelsuma may represent a track which is also occupied by other reptilian genera.