Calodactylodes aureus
The Indian golden gecko, also known as Beddome's golden gecko (Calodactylodes aureus), is a species of gecko endemic to the rocky Eastern Ghats of India. It is distinguished by its slender digits with large trapezoidal expansions, a body covered in small granular scales with scattered larger tubercles, and a golden-brown coloration during life. This species was rediscovered in the Tirupati Hills after more than a century.
Key Facts
- ›Endemic to the Eastern Ghats of India, particularly the Tirupati Hills.
- ›Features digits with large trapezoidal expansions and retractable claws.
- ›Body is covered in small granular scales interspersed with larger tubercles.
- ›Coloration is brownish-white above, becoming golden during life, with brown markings; undersides are whitish.
- ›Mature females lay over 300 eggs in communal nests near water or moist areas.
Indian Golden Gecko, Beddome's Golden Gecko
India
Rocky Areas, Ravines, Near Water, Moist Areas
- Digits Are Slender At the Base, Free, With Squarish Scales Beneath and Large Trapezoidal Penultimate and Distal Expansions.
- Lower Surface of Digital Expansions Has Two Large Plates Separated By A Longitudinal Groove.
- All Digits Are Clawed, With Retractile Claws.
- Body Covered Above With Small, Granular Scales Intermixed With Larger Tubercles.
- Abdominal Scales Are Juxtaposed.
- Pupils Are Vertical.
- Head Is Large, Oviform, and Distinct From the Neck.
- Possesses Strong, Rounded Supraorbital and Canthal Ridges.
- Snout Is Longer Than the Distance Between the Eye and the Ear Opening.
- Ear Opening Is Vertical, Measuring Half the Diameter of the Eye.
- Body Is Not Much Depressed.
- Limbs Are Long and Slender.
- Head Covered With Very Small Granules, Largest On the Canthal Ridges.
- Rostral Is Four-Sided, Twice As Broad As High, With A Concave Posterior Border.
- Nostrils Are Pierced Between the Rostral, the First Labial, and Three Nasals.
- 12 Or 13 Upper and As Many Lower Labials.
- Mental Is As Large As Or Smaller Than Adjacent Labials.
- No Regular Chin-Shields; Replaced By Small, Polygonal Scales.
- Back Has Scattered, Scarcely Prominent, Smooth, Round, Larger Tubercles.
- Ventral Scales Are Flat, Smooth, Squarish, and Juxtaposed.
- Tail Is Long, Cylindrical, Remarkably Slender, and Covered With Squarish Scales, Larger Beneath.
- Coloration: Brownish-White Above , Dotted Or Vermiculated With Brown; Lower Surfaces Are Whitish.
Unknown
- No Preanal Or Femoral Pores Present, Indicating Potential Differences In Social Or Territorial Signaling Compared To Species With Such Pores.
- Females Exhibit Communal Nesting Behavior.
About Calodactylodes aureus
Indian Golden Gecko (Calodactylodes aureus)
The Indian golden gecko, scientifically named Calodactylodes aureus and also known as Beddome's golden gecko, is a species of gecko native to the Eastern Ghats of India. This reptile is notable for its rediscovery in the hills near Tirupati after a gap of over 100 years since its initial description, highlighting its elusive nature.
Physical Characteristics
Calodactylodes aureus possesses distinctive physical traits. Its digits are slender at the base and free, featuring large trapezoidal expansions on the penultimate and distal segments. These expansions are covered on the underside by two broad plates separated by a longitudinal groove. All digits are equipped with claws, which are retractable. The body is covered dorsally by small, granular scales intermixed with larger, scattered tubercles. The ventral scales are flat, smooth, and juxtaposed. Its head is notably large and oviform, clearly distinct from the neck, with prominent supraorbital and canthal ridges. The pupils are vertical. During life, its coloration is a golden hue on the upper surfaces, marked with brown dots or vermiculations, while the lower surfaces are whitish. Adults typically measure around 8.9 cm from snout to vent.
Habitat and Distribution
This gecko species is endemic to the rocky landscapes of the Eastern Ghats in India. It has been specifically recorded in the Tirupati Hills, where it is found among rocks in dark, shady ravines. The presence of water or moist areas is also significant, particularly for its reproductive behavior.
Reproduction
Mature females of Calodactylodes aureus are known to deposit a substantial number of eggs, exceeding 300, in communal nests. These nesting sites are strategically located near water sources or in other moist environments, suggesting a reliance on humidity for egg development.
Behavioral Notes
Observations indicate that Calodactylodes aureus lacks preanal or femoral pores, which are sometimes associated with territorial marking or social signaling in other gecko species. The described reproductive strategy involves communal nesting, suggesting a degree of social interaction during the breeding season.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the common name for Calodactylodes aureus?
Calodactylodes aureus is commonly known as the Indian golden gecko or Beddome's golden gecko. These names reflect its geographic origin and its characteristic golden coloration when alive.
Where is the Indian golden gecko found?
The Indian golden gecko is found in India, specifically in the rocky areas of the Eastern Ghats. It has been recorded in the Tirupati Hills.
What are the distinctive physical features of Calodactylodes aureus?
This gecko has slender digits with large trapezoidal expansions that have a grooved lower surface. Its body is covered with small granular scales mixed with larger tubercles, and it possesses vertical pupils. The head is large and oviform, with prominent ridges above the eyes and canthal ridges.
What is the typical habitat of the Indian golden gecko?
The Indian golden gecko inhabits rocky areas, often found among rocks in dark, shady ravines. Proximity to water or moist areas is also noted, especially for nesting sites.
How does Calodactylodes aureus reproduce?
Mature females of this species deposit a large number of eggs, over 300, in communal nests. These nests are typically situated near water or in moist environments.
What is the coloration of the Indian golden gecko?
The upper surface of the Indian golden gecko is brownish-white, which appears golden when the animal is alive. It is dotted or vermiculated with brown. The lower surfaces are whitish.
Related Lizards
Indian golden gecko
The Indian golden gecko (Calodactylodes aureus), also known as Beddome's golden gecko, is a species of gecko endemic to the Eastern Ghats of India. It is characterized by its slender digits with trapezoidal expansions, small granular scales interspersed with larger tubercles, and a long, cylindrical tail. This species was rediscovered in the hills near Tirupati after being unseen for over a century.
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The striped plateau lizard, scientifically known as Sceloporus virgatus, is a small lizard native to the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains of Mexico and parts of the southwestern United States. It is characterized by distinct light stripes on its dorsolateral sides and a gray, brown, or tan body, with males exhibiting more vivid coloration and specific scale and pore features related to signaling aggression and territory. These diurnal lizards are terrestrial and inhabit temperate forests and savannas, preying on insects and arthropods through an ambush technique.
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