Forest spotted gecko
The forest spotted gecko (Cyrtodactylus speciosus) is a species of gecko native to the hills of South India, found in parts of the Eastern and Western Ghats. This nocturnal, insectivorous lizard lives on the forest floor among leaf litter and pebbles, and reproduces by laying eggs.
Key Facts
- ›Native to the hills of South India, including the Eastern and Western Ghats.
- ›First described in 1870 from hills near Erode, Tamil Nadu.
- ›Nocturnal and insectivorous, active after dusk.
- ›Terrestrial, living on the ground amidst leaf litter and debris.
- ›Reproduces by laying eggs.
Erode Ground Gecko
South India, Tamil Nadu
A Species of Gecko., Terrestrial Lizard.
Insects
Nocturnal, Terrestrial
About Forest spotted gecko
The forest spotted gecko, scientifically known as Cyrtodactylus speciosus, is a species of gecko found in the hilly regions of South India. Its natural range includes parts of the Eastern Ghats and Western Ghats, with confirmed sightings in areas around Coimbatore, Tirupur, and Erode in Tamil Nadu. The species was first formally described in 1870 from observations made in the hills near Erode.
Habits and Habitat
This gecko is characterized by its nocturnal nature, becoming active after dusk. Its diet is exclusively insectivorous. The forest spotted gecko is a terrestrial species, preferring to live on the ground among dense leaf litter, pebbles, and other debris found on the forest floor. Reproduction in this species occurs through the laying of eggs.
Taxonomy and Distribution
While the forest spotted gecko was once thought to be similar to Cyrtodactylus collegalensis, recent scientific studies have established it as a distinct species. Its distribution is primarily confined to the hills of South India, specifically within the Eastern and Western Ghats mountain ranges.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the forest spotted gecko found?
The forest spotted gecko is endemic to the hills of South India. It has been sighted in parts of the Eastern Ghats and Western Ghats, specifically in areas around Coimbatore, Tirupur, and Erode in Tamil Nadu.
What does the forest spotted gecko eat?
This species is insectivorous, meaning its diet consists primarily of insects. It is an active hunter after dusk.
How does the forest spotted gecko reproduce?
The forest spotted gecko reproduces by laying eggs. Further details about its reproductive cycle are not extensively documented in available records.
What type of habitat does the forest spotted gecko prefer?
The forest spotted gecko is a terrestrial lizard. It inhabits the ground level of forests, living among thick leaf litter, pebbles, and other debris on the forest floor.
When is the forest spotted gecko most active?
This species is nocturnal. It begins its activity after dusk and is most active during the night.
Related Lizards
Giri's geckoella
Giri's geckoella is a small, nocturnal, and terrestrial gecko species endemic to India. It is characterized by its insectivorous diet and preference for living in dense leaf litter on forest floors. The species is notable for its wide distribution across several Indian states.
Bangalore geckoella
The Bangalore geckoella (Cyrtodactylus srilekhae) is a small, nocturnal, terrestrial gecko species endemic to India, specifically found in the Eastern Ghats and the Mysore plateau. It inhabits dense leaf-litter and hides under stones on forest floors. This species is often mistaken for Cyrtodactylus collegalensis.
Ameiva ameiva
The Ameiva ameiva, commonly known as the giant ameiva or South American ground lizard, is a widespread lizard species found across Central and South America, as well as some Caribbean islands. It is characterized by a streamlined body, vibrant green coloration in males, and a varied diet that includes insects, small vertebrates, and plant matter. These lizards typically inhabit forest floors, seeking shelter under logs and in leaf litter.