Geckoella collegalensis
Geckoella collegalensis, also known as the Kollegal ground gecko or forest spotted gecko, is a species of gecko native to South India. It is primarily ground-dwelling, found in forests along hilly tracts, and is nocturnal and insectivorous. This species is often confused with Cyrtodactylus speciosus.
Key Facts
- ›Found in South India, particularly around the Mysore hills.
- ›Primarily ground-dwelling, hiding under leaf litter.
- ›Nocturnal and feeds on insects.
- ›Inhabits dry, mixed, and wet forests along hilly regions.
- ›Historically described in 1870 from BR Hills, Karnataka.
Kollegal Ground Gecko, Forest Spotted Gecko
South India, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu
Spotted Appearance, Ground-Dwelling
Insects
Ground-Dwelling, Nocturnal, Hides Under Thick Leaf-Litter
About Geckoella collegalensis
Geckoella collegalensis, commonly referred to as the Kollegal ground gecko or forest spotted gecko, is a species of gecko found in the southern regions of India. Its natural range encompasses the Mysore hills, situated at the confluence of the Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats, extending into adjacent hill ranges across Karnataka, Maharashtra, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. Historically, the species was described in 1870 from the BR Hills in Southern Karnataka. Recent taxonomic and genetic studies have led to its reclassification, with the formerly recognized genus now considered a subgenus of the widespread genus Cyrtodactylus.
Habits and Habitat
The Kollegal ground gecko is primarily a terrestrial species, preferring to live on the ground. It typically seeks refuge and hides beneath thick layers of leaf litter. As a nocturnal animal, it is most active during the night, when it emerges to forage for food. Its habitat consists of various forest types, including dry, mixed, and wet forests, particularly in hilly terrains.
Diet and Reproduction
Geckoella collegalensis is insectivorous, meaning its diet is composed mainly of insects. While specific details on reproduction are limited, some species within this group are known to be oviparous, laying eggs. Further research may provide more insights into their breeding ecology.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the common names for Geckoella collegalensis?
Geckoella collegalensis is commonly known as the Kollegal ground gecko or the forest spotted gecko. These names reflect its geographic origin and its spotted appearance.
Where is Geckoella collegalensis found?
This gecko species is found in South India, specifically in and around the Mysore hills, at the junction of the Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats. It has also been reported in adjacent hill ranges across Karnataka, Maharashtra, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
What kind of habitat does Geckoella collegalensis prefer?
Geckoella collegalensis inhabits forests, including dry, mixed, and wet types, predominantly along hilly tracts. They are ground-dwelling and often found hiding under thick leaf-litter.
What does Geckoella collegalensis eat?
The Kollegal ground gecko is insectivorous, meaning its diet consists primarily of insects. They are active hunters during the night.
Is Geckoella collegalensis active during the day or night?
Geckoella collegalensis is a nocturnal species, meaning it is primarily active during the night. This is when they forage for food and are most likely to be encountered.
How does Geckoella collegalensis reproduce?
Some species within this group, including Geckoella collegalensis, have been documented to lay eggs. Specific details about their reproductive cycle, such as clutch size or incubation period, are not widely detailed in available records.
Related Lizards
Kollegal ground gecko
The Kollegal ground gecko, scientifically known as Cyrtodactylus collegalensis, is a nocturnal, insectivorous lizard found in the hilly regions of South India, particularly at the junction of the Western and Eastern Ghats. It is characterized by its ground-dwelling habit, often found hiding under thick leaf litter in various forest types. This species is sometimes confused with the forest spotted gecko (Cyrtodactylus speciosus).
Iranian fat-tailed gecko
The Iranian fat-tailed gecko is a nocturnal, ground-dwelling lizard found in parts of the Middle East, including Iraq, Iran, Turkey, and Syria. It is characterized by a fatter tail with spots and a distinct light vertebral stripe bordered by black stripes. Its diet primarily consists of insects, though it may also consume smaller vertebrates.
Agama armata
The Agama armata, also known as the tropical spiny agama or northern ground agama, is a small, ground-dwelling lizard native to sub-Saharan Africa. It is characterized by its grey, brown, or red coloration with pale crossbars, and males display vibrant green or blue heads during breeding seasons. This species is found across a wide range of southern and eastern African countries.