Lokuge’s day gecko
Cnemaspis lokugei·Gekkonidae
Lokuge's day gecko (Cnemaspis lokugei) is a diurnal gecko species native to Sri Lanka. This small lizard is found in granite rock caves near streams and is characterized by its reddish-brown body with a dorsal yellow spot on the neck and a faded, broken vertebral stripe. Its diet and specific behavioral traits are not extensively detailed in available records.
Key Facts
- ›Endemic to the island of Sri Lanka.
- ›Found in granite rock caves bordering streams.
- ›Adult males measure around 33 mm in snout-vent length.
- ›Features a reddish-brown coloration with distinctive yellow markings.
- ›Belongs to the Cnemaspis kandiana clade.
Lokuge's Day Gecko
Sri Lanka
Cave, Stream-Adjacent Habitat, Granite Rock Formations
- Small Gecko Species.
- Adult Male Holotype Measures 33 mm Snout-Vent Length.
- Female Paratypes Measure 30–31 mm Snout-Vent Length.
- Dorsal Scales Are A Mix of Smooth and Keeled Large Granular Scales.
- Chin, Gular, Pectoral, and Abdominal Scales Are Smooth.
- 15–17 Belly Scales Across Mid-Body.
- Nostrils Are Oval and Oriented Dorsolaterally.
- Body Is Short and Slender.
- Head Is Large and Depressed.
- Snout Is Relatively Long.
- Pupil Is Round, Iris Is Yellow.
- Head, Body, and Limbs Are Reddish-Brown.
- Features A Dorsal Yellow Spot With A Black Outer Edge On the Neck.
- Possesses A Faded, Yellow Broken Vertebral Stripe From Occiput To Tail.
- Chin and Gular Scales Are Yellow With Dark Spots.
- Tail Is Dark Brown.
Diurnal .
About Lokuge’s day gecko
Lokuge's Day Gecko
Lokuge's day gecko, scientifically classified as Cnemaspis lokugei, is a species of diurnal gecko found exclusively on the island of Sri Lanka. This small lizard is characterized by its distinctive reddish-brown coloration, a depressed head, and a relatively long snout.
Physical Characteristics and Habitat
The species typically measures between 30-33 mm in snout-vent length, with males being slightly larger than females. Its dorsal scales are a mix of smooth and keeled granular types, while its chin, gular, pectoral, and abdominal scales are smooth. A notable feature is a dorsal yellow spot on the neck, edged in black, and a faded, broken yellow vertebral stripe extending from the occiput to the tail. The chin and gular regions are yellow with dark spotting, and the tail is dark brown. Lokuge's day gecko inhabits granite rock caves, often found bordering streams, and has been recorded in areas receiving significant rainfall from the southwest monsoon.
Taxonomy and Discovery
Cnemaspis lokugei belongs to the Cnemaspis kandiana clade and is closely related to C. podihuna. The species was named in honor of Ajith Nethkelum Lokuge, recognized for his contributions as an ecologist, analogue forestry specialist, and a senior member of the Young Zoologist's Association of Sri Lanka.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lokuge's day gecko?
Lokuge's day gecko, scientifically known as Cnemaspis lokugei, is a species of diurnal gecko found exclusively on the island of Sri Lanka. It is a small lizard discovered in granite cave habitats near water sources.
Where does Lokuge's day gecko live?
This species has been recorded from granite rock caves, particularly those bordering streams. Initial discoveries were made in Haputale, Badulla District, and later specimens were found in similar cave environments at Idalgashinna that receive rainfall from the southwest monsoon.
What does Lokuge's day gecko look like?
Lokuge's day gecko has a reddish-brown body with a large, depressed head and a relatively long snout. It displays a dorsal yellow spot with a black outer edge on its neck and a faded, broken yellow vertebral stripe running from its occiput to its tail. Its chin and gular scales are yellow with dark spots, and its tail is dark brown.
How big is Lokuge's day gecko?
The holotype, an adult male, has a snout-vent length of approximately 33 mm (1.3 inches). Female paratypes are slightly smaller, measuring between 30–31 mm (1.2–1.2 inches) in snout-vent length.
What is the scientific classification of Lokuge's day gecko?
Lokuge's day gecko belongs to the genus Cnemaspis. It is specifically part of the Cnemaspis kandiana clade and is considered closely related to another species, C. podihuna.
