Scaly gecko
The scaly gecko (Hemidactylus scabriceps) is a nocturnal, terrestrial, insectivorous gecko native to South India and northern Sri Lanka. Characterized by its short, stout build, blunt snout, and distinctive imbricate, leaf-shaped scales, it inhabits semi-arid, open, and sometimes sandy environments, often found under rocks during the day.
Key Facts
- ›Nocturnal and terrestrial, primarily found on open ground at night.
- ›Diet consists of insects, classifying it as insectivorous.
- ›Found in semi-arid and open habitats, including coastal sand dunes.
- ›Males possess up to 6 pre-anal pores.
- ›Known for territorial behavior involving chirping calls and physical displays.
Scaly Gecko
South India, Northern Sri Lanka
- Adults Are Short and Stout.
- Forehead Appears Convex.
- Snout Is Blunt and Rounded, Larger Than the Eyes.
- Limbs Are Short.
- Tail Is Cylindrical and Tapers Towards the Tip.
- Dorsal Scales On Head and Neck Are Small, Rounded, and Granular.
- Mental Scale Is Large.
- Eyes Are Laterally Placed, Large, With A Vertical Pupil and Brown Iris.
- Scales Surrounding the Eyes Are Small and Yellow.
- Supralabial Scales: 7 To 8; Infralabial Scales: 6 To 8.
- Dorsal and Ventral Scales Are Distinctly Imbricate, Leaf-Shaped, and Almost Smooth.
- Scales Increase In Size From Snout To Tail, With Largest Scales Above Limbs and On the Tail.
- Femoral Pores Are Absent In Adults.
- Adult Males Have Up To 6 Pre-Anal Pores.
- Fourth Toe Is Subdigital and Partially Divided.
- Coloration: Brownish Dorsum Varying Between Yellow and Red Hues, Fading To Creamy White Venter.
- Lateral Portion Has Indistinct Mottling With Black and Bright Yellow Scales.
- Head Mottled With White and Black Scales.
- Labial Scales Are Straw Yellow.
- Two Parallel Lines Along the Dorsum From Forelimbs To Near the Tail.
- White Crossbands Along the Dorsum.
- Limbs Are Brown, Mottled With Black and White.
Insects
- Nocturnal
- Terrestrial
- Found Under Rocks During Daytime
- Seen On Open Ground At Night, Moving With An Upright Stance
- Thought To Be Territorial
- Males Exhibit 'Chirping Call' Accompanied By Arched Body, Stretched Legs, and Tail Waving During Territorial Disputes
About Scaly gecko
The scaly gecko, scientifically known as Hemidactylus scabriceps, is a species of gecko native to the semi-arid regions of South India and northern Sri Lanka. This nocturnal and terrestrial lizard is primarily insectivorous, preying on insects found on open ground.
Description and Characteristics
Adult scaly geckos are characterized by their stout build, with a convex forehead and a blunt, rounded snout that is larger than their eyes. Their limbs are relatively short, and they possess a cylindrical tail that tapers towards the tip. The dorsal scales of the head and neck are small, rounded, and granular, while the scales on the rest of the dorsum and belly are distinctly imbricate, leaf-shaped, and almost smooth, increasing in size towards the tail. Adult males can be identified by the presence of up to six pre-anal pores. Coloration varies, typically presenting a brownish dorsum with yellow or red hues, fading to a creamy white venter. The body often features mottling with black and bright yellow scales, particularly on the lateral portions, and the head is also mottled. Labial scales are straw yellow, and the scales around the eyes are yellow. Distinctive markings include two parallel lines along the dorsum starting from the forelimbs and extending towards the tail, as well as white crossbands.
Habitat and Distribution
This species predominantly inhabits semi-arid and open environments that are dry and sometimes sandy. They have been recorded in various locations across Tamil Nadu in South India, including Ramnad, Adyar, Chennai, Mayiladuthurai, Madurai, Thanjavur, Tirunelveli, Tuticorin, and Vallanadu Wildlife Sanctuary. In Sri Lanka, they are found in the northwestern parts of the country, with reported sightings in Marichhukate in the Northern Province. Their presence in coastal sand dunes is also noted.
Behavior and Reproduction
The scaly gecko is nocturnal, seeking shelter under rocks during daylight hours. At night, they are active on open ground, moving with an upright stance. Observations suggest they are territorial, with males engaging in 'chirping calls' and physical displays, such as arching their bodies and lunging, when interacting with rivals. Females have been observed carrying two eggs in July and between December and February, indicating distinct breeding periods within the year.
Evolutionary Context
Historically, the scaly gecko was sometimes misidentified and placed in different genera due to a lack of molecular data. Recent phylogenetic analyses have confirmed its placement within the genus Hemidactylus. Evolutionary studies suggest that this species diverged from its common ancestor approximately 35 million years ago, with its expansion into Sri Lanka likely occurring during the Late Miocene epoch.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the scaly gecko found?
The scaly gecko is primarily found in South India, specifically in Tamil Nadu, and in the northwestern parts of Sri Lanka. Its habitat includes semi-arid and open areas, sometimes characterized by dry or sandy terrain.
What does a scaly gecko look like?
Adult scaly geckos are short and stout with a blunt snout larger than their eyes. Their dorsal scales are overlapping, leaf-shaped, and almost smooth, while coloration varies from brownish to yellow or red hues on the back, with a creamy white underside and mottled patterns.
What is the diet of the scaly gecko?
The scaly gecko is an insectivore, meaning its diet consists mainly of insects. They are found on open ground at night, likely searching for prey.
Is the scaly gecko active at night?
Yes, the scaly gecko is nocturnal. During the day, they are typically found resting under rocks, and they emerge to move about on open ground after dark.
How do scaly geckos behave towards each other?
Individuals are believed to be territorial. When encountering each other, males may emit a 'chirping call' and engage in aggressive displays, including arching their bodies, stretching their legs, and lunging.
When do scaly geckos reproduce?
Reproductive activity has been observed with females carrying two eggs in July and again between December and February. This suggests a breeding season that spans across different parts of the year.
Related Lizards
Hemidactylus scabriceps
The scaly gecko (Hemidactylus scabriceps) is a nocturnal, terrestrial, and insectivorous lizard species native to South India and northern Sri Lanka. It is characterized by its short, stout body, convex forehead, blunt snout, and a cylindrical tail. The dorsal scales are imbricate and leaf-shaped, while the venter is creamy white, often with mottled patterns of black and yellow.
Furcifer major
Furcifer major, also known as the southern carpet chameleon, is found in the dry regions of southern Madagascar. This species was previously classified as part of Furcifer lateralis.
Gerrhosaurus
Gerrhosaurus is a genus of lizards native to southern and eastern Africa, typically found in dry, rocky semi-open habitats. These lizards are characterized by their plated appearance, with several species recognized within the genus, including the Kalahari plated lizard and the yellow-throated plated lizard.