Hemidactylus reticulatus
Hemidactylus reticulatus·Gekkonidae·Not specified
The reticulate leaf-toed gecko (Hemidactylus reticulatus) is a nocturnal, insectivorous species found in the rocky regions of South India. During the day, it seeks shelter under stones, emerging at night to forage for insects. Its distinctive coloration features a network of darker lines on a brown background, with many of its tubercles appearing whitish.
Key Facts
- ›Found in rocky areas of South India, including Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.
- ›It is a nocturnal species, active at night and resting under stones during the day.
- ›Primarily an insectivore, feeding on insects.
- ›Characterized by a reticulate pattern of darker lines on its brown dorsal surface.
- ›Occurs in habitats ranging from near sea level to over 1000 meters in elevation.
Reticulate Leaf-Toed Gecko
India
Rocky Areas, Hillocks, Outcrops
- Head Is Short, Oviform, and Very Convex.
- Snout Is Slightly Longer Than the Distance Between the Eye and Ear-Opening and Than the Diameter of the Orbit.
- Ear-Opening Is Small and Roundish.
- Body and Limbs Are Short.
- Digits Are Short, Free, With Very Short Distal Joints and Moderately Dilated.
- Snout Is Covered With Keeled Granules; the Rest of the Head Has Smaller Granules Intermixed With Round Tubercles.
- Rostral Is Four-Sided, Not Twice As Broad As Deep, With A Median Cleft Above.
- Nostril Is Pierced Between the Rostral, the First Labial, and Three Or Four Nasals.
- Upper Labials Are 9 Or 10; Lower Labials Are 7 To 9.
- Mental Is Large, Triangular Or Pentagonal.
- Four Chin-Shields Present, With the Inner Pair Being the Largest and In Contact Behind the Point of the Mental.
- Body Is Covered Above With Coarse Granules Intermixed With Numerous Irregularly Arranged, Small, Round, Keeled Tubercles.
- Abdominal Scales Are Rather Small, Cycloid, Imbricate, and Smooth.
- Males Have 6 To 9 Preanal Pores Forming An Angular Series.
- Tail Is Cylindrical, Tapering, Covered Above With Small Granular Scales and Rings of Six Or Eight Large Conical Tubercles.
- Tail Is Covered Beneath With Uniform Small Imbricated Scales.
- Dorsal Coloration Is Brown With A Network of Darker Lines.
- Many of the Tubercles Are Whitish.
- Lower Surfaces Are Whitish.
- Throat Is Sometimes Veriniculated With Brown.
Insects
Terrestrial, Nocturnal, Takes Refuge Under Stones During the Day, Emerges At Night For Activities
About Hemidactylus reticulatus
Reticulate Leaf-Toed Gecko
The reticulate leaf-toed gecko, scientifically known as Hemidactylus reticulatus, is a species of gecko native to the rocky terrains of South India. This terrestrial and nocturnal reptile is characterized by its specialized diet, consisting mainly of insects.
Description and Habitat
Hemidactylus reticulatus possesses a distinctive appearance, with a brown dorsal coloration adorned by a network of darker lines, and many of its tubercles appearing whitish. Its head is short and convex, with short limbs and moderately dilated digits. The species is found in rocky hillocks and outcrops across states such as Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh. It can inhabit areas ranging from near sea level up to elevations exceeding 1000 meters.
Behavior and Lifestyle
True to its nocturnal nature, the reticulate leaf-toed gecko spends its daylight hours sheltered beneath stones. As night falls, it emerges to engage in its activities, primarily foraging for food. Its habitat preference for rocky environments suggests a reliance on crevices and stones for shelter and hunting grounds.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the reticulate leaf-toed gecko eat?
The reticulate leaf-toed gecko is an insectivore, meaning its diet consists primarily of insects. It emerges at night to hunt for its prey.
Where is the reticulate leaf-toed gecko found?
This species is native to South India, with documented occurrences in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh. It prefers rocky hillocks and outcrops.
What are the physical characteristics of Hemidactylus reticulatus?
It has a short, oviform, and convex head with a snout slightly longer than the distance between the eye and ear opening. Its body and limbs are short, and its digits are moderately dilated. The dorsal coloration is brown with a network of darker lines, and many tubercles are whitish. The underside is whitish.
When is the reticulate leaf-toed gecko most active?
Hemidactylus reticulatus is a nocturnal species. It takes refuge under stones during the daytime and becomes active at night for its activities, including foraging for food.
What kind of habitat does this gecko prefer?
The reticulate leaf-toed gecko is very partial to rocky hillocks and outcrops. Its habitat can range from near sea level to elevations exceeding 1000 meters.
Related Lizards
Reticulate leaf-toed gecko
The reticulate leaf-toed gecko is a terrestrial, nocturnal gecko species native to the rocky regions of South India. It is characterized by its short, convex head, short limbs, and distinctive keeled tubercles interspersed with granules on its body. This insectivorous lizard seeks shelter under stones during the day and emerges at night to hunt.
Ctenophorus caudicinctus
The Ctenophorus caudicinctus, commonly known as the ring-tailed dragon, is a vibrantly colored agamid lizard native to the rocky ranges and outcrops of Australia, particularly the Pilbara region of Western Australia. These lizards are recognized for their distinctive banding around the tail, a line of spines curving beneath the eyes, and pronounced sexual dimorphism, with males displaying brighter colors. They are diurnal insectivores adapted to arid environments, utilizing unique scale structures for water absorption and thermoregulation.
Nephrurus asper
Nephrurus asper, commonly known as the rough knob-tailed gecko, is a unique gecko species endemic to Australia. It is distinguished by its inability to shed and regrow its tail, a trait shared with only two other Australian gecko species. This lizard inhabits dry woodlands and rocky outcrops in Queensland.