Andaman bent-toed gecko
The Andaman bent-toed gecko, also known as the red bow-fingered gecko, is a small to medium-sized gecko found in the Andaman Islands of India and the Coco Islands of Myanmar. It inhabits lowland and deciduous forests, often found near human dwellings, and is known for its reddish-brown to dark grey coloration marked with black bands or blotches, and a black and white banded tail. This species is oviparous, typically laying two eggs, and exhibits both terrestrial and arboreal behaviors.
Key Facts
- ›Found in the Andaman Islands (India) and Coco Islands (Myanmar).
- ›Characterized by a black-banded/blotched yellowish-brown body and a black and white banded tail.
- ›Inhabits lowland rainforests and deciduous forests, sometimes found inside houses.
- ›Both terrestrial and arboreal, hiding in various places during the day and foraging at night.
- ›Oviparous, laying two eggs at a time.
- ›Males have six pre-anal pores and a prominent pre-anal groove.
Andaman Bent-Toed Gecko, Red Bow-Fingered Gecko
Andaman Islands, India, Coco Islands, Myanmar
- Small To Medium-Sized Gecko.
- Body Is Black-Banded/Blotched With Yellowish Brown.
- Tail Is Banded Black and White.
- Head Is Long and Tapering.
- Ear-Opening Is Small and Oval.
- Digits Have Enlarged Lamellae On the Ventral Surface.
- Tail Is Long and Tapering To A Fine Point, With Small Tubercles.
- Three Enlarged Tubercles On Either Side of the Cloaca.
- Males Have Six Pre-Anal Pores and A Prominent Longitudinal Pre-Anal Groove; Females Have A Less Distinct Groove.
- Dorsal and Lateral Aspects of the Body Are Covered In Distinct, Obtuse Tubercles.
- Dorsum and Forehead Are Reddish Brown To Dark Grey.
- Forehead Can Have Transverse Bands Forming A Reticulated Network.
- A Dark Line Extends From the Posterior Corner of the Eyes To the Armpit.
- Tail Has Ten Dark Bands On A White Or Grey Background.
Forages At Night
- Terrestrial and Arboreal.
- Hides Under Bark, Leaf Litter, Roots, Logs, Or Rocks During the Day.
- Emerges To Forage At Night.
- Raises and Curls Tail When Threatened.
About Andaman bent-toed gecko
The Andaman bent-toed gecko, scientifically known as Cyrtodactylus rubidus and also called the red bow-fingered gecko, is a species of gecko native to the Andaman Islands in India and the Coco Islands in Myanmar. This small to medium-sized reptile inhabits lowland rainforests and deciduous forests, and is sometimes found in houses situated near forested areas.
Description and Habitat
This gecko is characterized by its yellowish-brown body, often marked with black bands or blotches, and a tail that is distinctly banded in black and white. Its head is long and tapers, with small, oval ear openings. The digits feature enlarged lamellae on their underside, aiding in climbing. The tail is long, tapers to a fine point, and is adorned with small tubercles. Males are identifiable by the presence of six pre-anal pores and a prominent longitudinal pre-anal groove, which is less distinct in females. The dorsal and lateral surfaces of the body are covered in noticeable, obtuse tubercles. The coloration of the dorsum and forehead ranges from reddish-brown to dark grey, with the forehead sometimes displaying transverse bands that can form a reticulated pattern. A dark line runs from the posterior corner of the eyes to the armpit. The tail typically features ten dark bands against a white or grey background.
Natural History and Behavior
The Andaman bent-toed gecko is both a terrestrial and arboreal species. During daylight hours, it seeks refuge under bark, leaf litter, roots, logs, or rocks. As night falls, it emerges to forage. When faced with a threat, the gecko exhibits a defensive behavior by raising and curling its tail.
Reproduction
This species reproduces oviparously, meaning it lays eggs. A typical clutch consists of two eggs, which are laid in protected locations such as under tree bark or beneath fallen logs.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the common names for Cyrtodactylus rubidus?
Cyrtodactylus rubidus is commonly known as the Andaman bent-toed gecko. It is also referred to as the red bow-fingered gecko.
Where is the Andaman bent-toed gecko found?
This species is endemic to the Andaman Islands in the Bay of Bengal, India, specifically north of the Ten Degree Channel. It is also found in the Coco Islands of Myanmar.
What does the Andaman bent-toed gecko look like?
It is a small to medium-sized gecko with a yellowish-brown body marked with black bands or blotches, and a tail banded in black and white. Its head is long and tapering, and its digits have enlarged lamellae on the ventral surface.
What is the habitat of the Andaman bent-toed gecko?
The Andaman bent-toed gecko inhabits lowland rainforests and deciduous forests. It can be found hiding under bark, leaf litter, roots, logs, or rocks during the day, and sometimes lives inside houses close to forest areas.
How does the Andaman bent-toed gecko reproduce?
This species is oviparous, meaning it lays eggs. Typically, it lays two eggs at a time, which are deposited under tree bark or fallen logs.
What are some distinctive physical features of the Andaman bent-toed gecko?
Distinctive features include the black banding on its body and tail, a tapering snout, small ear openings, and enlarged lamellae on the ventral surface of its digits. Males possess six pre-anal pores and a prominent pre-anal groove.
Related Lizards
Cyrtodactylus rubidus
Cyrtodactylus rubidus, also known as the Andaman bent-toed gecko or red bow-fingered gecko, is a small to medium-sized gecko native to the Andaman Islands of India and the Coco Islands of Myanmar. It inhabits lowland and deciduous forests, exhibiting both terrestrial and arboreal behavior, and is characterized by its black-banded yellowish-brown body and a distinctive black and white banded tail.
Gehyra australis
Gehyra australis, commonly known as the Australian house gecko or northern dtella, is a species of gecko native to northern and eastern Australia, and also found in Indonesia. This arboreal lizard primarily inhabits woodlands, coastal, and riverine forests, but can also be found near human settlements. It is distinguished by its size and scale patterns, which can vary among closely related species within its complex.
Golden gecko
The golden gecko, scientifically known as Gekko badenii, is a species of lizard native to Vietnam, distinguished by its gold-colored scales. Primarily insectivorous, it also consumes some fruits and inhabits granite rocky areas within lowland rainforests. Males are larger than females and exhibit distinct physical characteristics like a longer tail base and fleshy knobs.