Indian golden gecko
The Indian golden gecko (Calodactylodes aureus), also known as Beddome's golden gecko, is a species of gecko endemic to the Eastern Ghats of India. It is characterized by its slender digits with trapezoidal expansions, small granular scales interspersed with larger tubercles, and a long, cylindrical tail. This species was rediscovered in the hills near Tirupati after being unseen for over a century.
Key Facts
- ›Endemic to the Eastern Ghats of India.
- ›Characterized by free digits with large trapezoidal expansions.
- ›Body covered in small granular scales with scattered larger tubercles.
- ›Possesses a long, cylindrical, and slender tail.
- ›Rediscovered in the Tirupati Hills after more than 100 years.
- ›Females can deposit over 300 eggs in communal nests.
Beddome's Golden Gecko
India
Rocky Areas, Ravines, Shady Areas
- Digits Are Slender At the Base, Free, With Squarish Scales Beneath and Large Trapezoidal Expansions.
- Lower Surface of Digital Expansions Has Two Large Plates Separated By A Longitudinal Groove.
- All Digits Are Clawed, With Retractile Claws Between Distal Plates.
- Body Covered Above With Small, Granular Scales Intermixed With Larger Tubercles.
- Abdominal Scales Are Juxtaposed and Flat, Smooth, and Squarish.
- Pupils Are Vertical.
- Head Is Large, Oviform, and Distinct From the Neck.
- Snout Is Longer Than the Distance Between the Eye and Ear Opening.
- Ear Opening Is Vertical, Measuring Half the Diameter of the Eye.
- Body Is Not Much Depressed.
- Limbs Are Long and Slender.
- Head Covered With Very Small Granules, Largest On the Canthal Ridges.
- Tail Is Long, Cylindrical, Remarkably Slender, and Covered With Squarish Scales.
- Coloration Is Brownish-White Above , Dotted Or Vermiculated With Brown.
- Lower Surfaces Are Whitish.
- Unknown, But Likely Insectivorous Based On Typical Gecko Diets.
No Preanal Or Femoral Pores Are Present., Females Deposit Eggs In Community Nests.
About Indian golden gecko
The Indian golden gecko, scientifically classified as Calodactylodes aureus and also known as Beddome's golden gecko, is a species of gecko native to the Eastern Ghats of India. This elusive reptile was notably rediscovered in the hills near Tirupati, marking its re-emergence into scientific knowledge after more than a century since its initial description.
Physical Characteristics
This gecko possesses distinctive physical traits, including slender digits that are free and equipped with squarish scales at the base. They feature large, trapezoidal expansions on their digits, facilitating climbing. The lower surface of these expansions is covered by two significant plates separated by a longitudinal groove. All digits are clawed, with a retractile claw nestled between the distal plates. The body of the Indian golden gecko is adorned with small, granular scales above, interspersed with larger, scattered tubercles. The abdominal scales are juxtaposed and described as flat, smooth, and squarish, arranged in a pattern resembling bricks in a wall. Its head is large and oviform, clearly distinct from the neck, and features a prominent supraorbital and canthal ridge. The pupils are vertical. The tail is notably long, cylindrical, and slender, covered in squarish scales, which are larger on the underside. In life, the gecko displays a brownish-white coloration that appears golden, often dotted or vermiculated with brown, while its undersides are whitish.
Size and Habitat
The Indian golden gecko measures approximately 3.5 inches (8.9 cm) from snout to vent, with a tail length of around 3.2 inches (8.1 cm). Its natural habitat is restricted to the rocky areas of the Eastern Ghats, where it is found among rocks in dark, shady ravines, particularly noted in the Tirupati Hills. This preference for specific microhabitats likely contributes to its reclusive nature.
Reproduction
Regarding reproduction, mature females of the Indian golden gecko species are known to deposit a substantial number of eggs, exceeding 300, in communal nests. These nests are strategically placed near water sources or in moist environments, suggesting a reliance on humidity for egg development.
Rediscovery and Significance
The rediscovery of Calodactylodes aureus is a significant event in herpetology, highlighting the importance of continued exploration and documentation of biodiversity. Its absence from scientific observation for such an extended period underscores the challenges in studying and conserving certain species, especially those with specialized habitats and potentially limited ranges.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Indian golden gecko?
The Indian golden gecko, scientifically known as Calodactylodes aureus, is a species of gecko found exclusively in the Eastern Ghats of India. It is also referred to as Beddome's golden gecko.
Where does the Indian golden gecko live?
This gecko species is native to India and is specifically found in the rocky regions of the Eastern Ghats. They inhabit dark, shady ravines among rocks, particularly noted in the Tirupati Hills.
What are the physical characteristics of the Indian golden gecko?
The Indian golden gecko has slender digits with large trapezoidal expansions. Its body is covered in small granular scales mixed with larger tubercles, and its tail is long, cylindrical, and slender. When alive, it has a brownish-white coloration that appears golden, with brown speckles or lines.
How large is the Indian golden gecko?
The snout-to-vent length of the Indian golden gecko is approximately 3.5 inches (8.9 cm), with a tail length of about 3.2 inches (8.1 cm).
What is known about the reproduction of the Indian golden gecko?
Mature female Indian golden geckos are known to deposit over 300 eggs communally in nests. These nests are typically located near water sources or in moist environments.
Has the Indian golden gecko been recently found?
Yes, the Indian golden gecko was rediscovered in the hills near present-day Tirupati. This rediscovery was significant as it occurred over 100 years after the species was first described.
Related Lizards
Calodactylodes aureus
The Indian golden gecko, also known as Beddome's golden gecko (Calodactylodes aureus), is a species of gecko endemic to the rocky Eastern Ghats of India. It is distinguished by its slender digits with large trapezoidal expansions, a body covered in small granular scales with scattered larger tubercles, and a golden-brown coloration during life. This species was rediscovered in the Tirupati Hills after more than a century.
Striped plateau lizard
The striped plateau lizard, scientifically known as Sceloporus virgatus, is a small lizard native to the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains of Mexico and parts of the southwestern United States. It is characterized by distinct light stripes on its dorsolateral sides and a gray, brown, or tan body, with males exhibiting more vivid coloration and specific scale and pore features related to signaling aggression and territory. These diurnal lizards are terrestrial and inhabit temperate forests and savannas, preying on insects and arthropods through an ambush technique.
Ablepharus
Ablepharus, commonly known as snake-eyed skinks, are small lizards distinguished by fused eyelids that prevent blinking, similar to snakes. They inhabit dry fields, hills, and rocky areas, often concealed within leaf litter. These skinks possess shiny, bronze scales and a characteristic dark stripe along their sides, feeding primarily on small insects and mollusks.