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Coastal day gecko

The coastal day gecko, scientifically known as Cnemaspis littoralis, is a species of gecko native to the Western Ghats of India. It primarily inhabits dry teak forests and is found on trees, with historical records indicating its presence near the seacoast.

Key Facts

  • Found in the Western Ghats of India.
  • Inhabits dry teak forests.
  • Typically found on trees.
  • Jerdon's type specimen was collected near the seacoast.
  • Scientific name is Cnemaspis littoralis.
Coastal day gecko
Scientific Name
Cnemaspis littoralis
Family
Gekkonidae
Common Names

Coastal Day Gecko

Geographic Distribution

India

Habitat Type

Dry Teak Forest, Forest

Physical Description

Small Gecko Species.

Lifespan Years
Not specified in text
Behavioral Traits

Arboreal

About Coastal day gecko

The coastal day gecko, scientifically classified as Cnemaspis littoralis, is a species of gecko indigenous to the Western Ghats region of India. This species is known to inhabit dry teak forests and is predominantly found on trees.

Distribution and Habitat

The geographic range of the coastal day gecko includes areas such as Malabar, Nilambur, and Nellakota, situated on the western side of the Nilgiri Hills. Historical records indicate that the type specimen, collected by Jerdon, was found in a warehouse located on the seacoast, hinting at a potential connection to coastal environments.

Taxonomy and History

Cnemaspis littoralis was first described by T.C. Jerdon in 1853. Subsequent taxonomic work, including that by Beddome and more recently by Vivek Philip Cyriac and P.K. Umesh in 2013, has contributed to the understanding of its status and designation of a neotype.

Source: Wikipedia ↗

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the coastal day gecko found?

The coastal day gecko is found in the Western Ghats of India. Specific locations mentioned include Malabar, Nilambur, and Nellakota, west of the Nilgiris.

What kind of habitat does the coastal day gecko prefer?

This gecko prefers dry teak forests. It is commonly found on trees within these forested areas.

What is the scientific name for the coastal day gecko?

The scientific name for the coastal day gecko is Cnemaspis littoralis. It was first described by Jerdon in 1853.

Has the coastal day gecko been found near the sea?

Yes, Jerdon's original type specimen for this species was obtained from a warehouse located on the seacoast, suggesting a potential affinity for coastal environments.