Cnemaspis wynadensis
The Wynad day gecko (Cnemaspis wynadensis) is a species of gecko found exclusively in the Western Ghats of Kerala, India. This small lizard is characterized by its granular scales, particularly on the upper body, and a marbled brown coloration. It inhabits moist forests and is known from only two specific locations.
Key Facts
- ›Endemic to the Western Ghats in Kerala, India.
- ›Known only from Wayanad and Silent Valley National Park.
- ›Possesses granular scales on its upper body with a raised central point or keel.
- ›Adults typically measure around 4.1 cm from snout to vent.
- ›Coloration is brown with darker and lighter marbling, and a brown-marbled underside.
Wynad Day Gecko
India
- Head Covered With Very Small Granules, Keeled On the Snout.
- Upper Body Has Large Round Granules, Each With A Raised Central Point Or Short Keel, Largest On the Sides.
- Granules Are Either Homogeneous Or Intermixed With Much Smaller Ones.
- Abdominal Scales Are Smooth.
- Six Upper Labials and Seven Or Eight Lower Labials.
- Males Have Four Or Five Femoral Pores On Each Side.
- Tail Generally Has A Median Series of Transversely Dilated Plates Below.
- Coloration Is Brown Above, Marbled With Darker and Lighter; Median Dorsal Line Is Sometimes Lighter and Dark-Bordered.
- Underside Is Brownish, and the Throat Is Brown-Marbled.
- Tail Underside Is Dark Brown, Usually Lighter Spotted.
- Details About the Specific Diet Are Not Provided In the Text.
Similar Habit To C. Indicus.
About Cnemaspis wynadensis
The Wynad Day Gecko (Cnemaspis wynadensis)
The Wynad day gecko, scientifically known as Cnemaspis wynadensis, is a small gecko species endemic to the Western Ghats region of Kerala, India. Its known range is limited to just two locations: Wayanad and Silent Valley National Park. This species is part of the larger Cnemaspis genus, commonly referred to as day geckos, though information on its specific activity patterns is not detailed.
Physical Characteristics
This gecko shares certain habits with Cnemaspis indicus. Its head is covered in very small, granular scales, which are keeled on the snout. The dorsal surface of its body features larger, round granules, each possessing a raised central point or a short keel, and these are most prominent on the sides of the body. These larger granules can be uniform or interspersed with much smaller ones, with the text noting that differences in this feature are not considered highly significant due to intermediate variations found in specimens. In contrast, the abdominal scales are smooth. The lizard typically has six upper labials and seven or eight lower labials. Males of the species are distinguished by the presence of four or five femoral pores on each side. The tail usually has a series of transversely widened plates on its underside.
In terms of coloration, the Wynad day gecko is brown on its upper side, marked with variations of darker and lighter marbling. A median dorsal line, sometimes lighter with dark borders, is also observed. The underside of the gecko is brownish, with the throat exhibiting brown marbling. The tail's underside is dark brown, often adorned with lighter spots.
Size and Habitat
The Wynad day gecko is a diminutive species. Adults typically measure about 1.6 inches (4.1 cm) from snout to vent. The tail is generally slightly longer, reaching approximately 1.8 inches (4.6 cm). The type locality for this species is described as "Wynaad and hill-ranges further south, in moist forests," indicating a preference for humid forest environments.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Wynad day gecko found?
The Wynad day gecko is endemic to the Western Ghats in Kerala, India. It has been documented in two specific locations: Wayanad and Silent Valley National Park.
What do Wynad day geckos look like?
They are small lizards with granular scales on their upper bodies, which often have a raised central point or short keel. Their coloration is typically brown, marbled with darker and lighter shades, and their undersides are also brownish, with a brown-marbled throat.
How big do Wynad day geckos get?
The Wynad day gecko is quite small. From snout to vent, they grow to approximately 1.6 inches (4.1 cm). Their tail is generally slightly longer, measuring around 1.8 inches (4.6 cm).
What kind of habitat does the Wynad day gecko prefer?
The Wynad day gecko is found in moist forests. The original description mentions its habitat as 'Wynaad and hill-ranges further south, in moist forests'.
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Wynad day gecko
The Wynad day gecko (Cnemaspis wynadensis) is a small gecko species endemic to the Western Ghats in Kerala, India. It inhabits moist forests and is distinguished by its granular scales, some of which are keeled, and a marbled brown coloration. This species is known from only two specific locations within its range.
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