Rough-bellied day gecko
The rough-bellied day gecko is a species of day geckos found in the Western Ghats of India and Sri Lanka. This diurnal and crepuscular lizard is characterized by its distinct head, elongated snout, and keeled ventral scales, with a dark-brown dorsal side featuring variegated patterns. It inhabits rocky substrates and low tree trunks, occasionally venturing into human-made structures.
Key Facts
- ›Found in the Western Ghats of India and Sri Lanka.
- ›Active during the day and at dusk.
- ›Possesses keeled ventral scales and spiny tubercles on its sides.
- ›Males have preanal and femoral pores.
- ›Inhabits rocky areas and low tree trunks.
Rough-Bellied Day Gecko
India, Sri Lanka
- Distinct Head With An Elongated Snout.
- Keeled Ventral Scales.
- Dark-Brown Dorsal Side With Transverse Arrangements of Light and Dark Variegations.
- Pale Brown/Cream Underside.
- Spiny Tubercles On Its Sides.
- Males Have Two To Four Preanal Pores and Three To Six Femoral Pores.
Diurnal, Crepuscular, Inhabits Rocky Substrates and Low Tree Trunks, Occasionally Enters Man-Made Structures
About Rough-bellied day gecko
The rough-bellied day gecko, scientifically known as Cnemaspis tropidogaster, is a species of gecko native to the Western Ghats of India and Sri Lanka. This lizard is characterized by its diurnal and crepuscular activity patterns, meaning it is most active during the day and at dawn and dusk.
Description and Habitat
Physically, the rough-bellied day gecko possesses a distinct head with an elongated snout and keeled ventral scales, which give it its common name. Its dorsal side is a dark brown, marked with transverse arrangements of light and dark variegations, while its underside is a pale brown or cream color. Spiny tubercles are present on its sides. Male rough-bellied day geckos are further distinguished by the presence of two to four preanal pores and three to six femoral pores.
This species is found in patchy and relatively uncommon distributions within the southern Western Ghats. Its preferred habitats include rocky substrates and the low trunks of trees. The rough-bellied day gecko has also been observed to occasionally enter man-made structures, such as thatched huts and cowsheds.
Distribution and Rediscovery
Live populations of the rough-bellied day gecko were notably rediscovered in Sri Lanka in 2016, after a period of nearly 120 years. These rediscovered populations were found in low elevation areas (50–80 meters above sea level) within the wet zone of Sri Lanka. The gecko is also known from the midhills of the Central Province's Knuckles Mountain Range, Sabaragamuwa Province, and parts of the monsoon forests in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the rough-bellied day gecko found?
The rough-bellied day gecko is found in the Western Ghats of India and Sri Lanka. Its distribution within the southern Western Ghats is described as patchy and relatively uncommon.
What are the physical characteristics of the rough-bellied day gecko?
This gecko has a distinct head with an elongated snout and keeled ventral scales. Its dorsal side is dark brown with transverse arrangements of light and dark variegations, while its underside is pale brown or cream. It also features spiny tubercles on its sides.
When is the rough-bellied day gecko active?
The rough-bellied day gecko is a diurnal and crepuscular species, meaning it is active during the day and also at dawn and dusk.
What kind of habitats does this gecko prefer?
It is often found in rocky substrates and on the low trunks of trees. The rough-bellied day gecko may also occasionally enter man-made structures like thatched huts and cowsheds.
Are there any notable differences between males and females?
Yes, male rough-bellied day geckos possess two to four preanal pores and three to six femoral pores, which are not described for females in the available information.
Related Lizards
Cnemaspis tropidogaster
The Cnemaspis tropidogaster, also known as the rough-bellied day gecko, is a species of gecko found in the Western Ghats of India and Sri Lanka. This diurnal lizard is characterized by its distinct head, elongated snout, and keeled ventral scales. It inhabits rocky substrates and low tree trunks, and has been rediscovered in the wet zone of Sri Lanka.
Lophognathus temporalis
Tropicagama temporalis, also known as the swamplands lashtail or northern water dragon, is a medium-sized, semi-arboreal lizard found in the tropical savannah woodlands of northern Australia, New Guinea, and parts of Indonesia. This agamid lizard is characterized by its slender build, long limbs, and a distinctive white stripe running from its snout along its body, contrasted by dark bands.
Allison's anole
Allison's anole, also known as the Cuban blue anole, is a lizard species endemic to Cuba and surrounding islands, with introduced populations in southern Florida. This diurnal species is characterized by its bright blue head and forelegs in males and its ability to change color to brown. They are typically found on palm trunks and are known for their communal nesting behavior.