Smith's bent-toed gecko
Smith's bent-toed gecko is a small lizard endemic to India, found primarily in shrubland and forest habitats in the Punjab region. It is characterized by a maximum snout-to-vent length of 5.4 cm and a distinctive series of femoral pores on its thighs.
Key Facts
- ›Endemic to northern India, specifically the Punjab state.
- ›Found in shrubland and forest environments.
- ›Maximum snout-to-vent length is 5.4 cm.
- ›Possesses 10–14 femoral pores on each thigh.
- ›Reproduces by laying eggs (oviparous).
Malcolm's Bow-Fingered Gecko
India
- Small Species For Its Genus.
- Maximum Recorded Snout-To-Vent Length of 5.4 cm .
- Has A Series of 10–14 Femoral Pores On the Ventral Surface of Each Thigh.
- the Two Series of Femoral Pores Are Separated By Two Poreless Scales.
About Smith's bent-toed gecko
Smith's bent-toed gecko, scientifically designated as Hemidactylus malcolmsmithi, is a species of lizard native to India. This gecko, also recognized by the common name Malcolm's bow-fingered gecko, belongs to the Gekkonidae family. Its known range is confined to northern India, with specific documentation placing it in the Indian state of Punjab, particularly within the Beas River basin.
Habitat and Description
The preferred natural habitats for Smith's bent-toed gecko are shrubland and forest environments. It is considered a small species within its genus. The maximum recorded snout-to-vent length for this gecko is 5.4 cm (2.1 inches). A distinctive morphological feature is the presence of a series of 10 to 14 femoral pores on the ventral surface of each thigh, with these series separated by two scales that lack pores.
Taxonomy and Reproduction
Historically, Hemidactylus malcolmsmithi was first described in the genus Gymnodactylus and has, at times, been placed in the genus Cyrtodactylus. The specific epithet, malcolmsmithi, honors the British herpetologist Malcolm Arthur Smith. In terms of reproduction, Smith's bent-toed gecko is oviparous, meaning it reproduces by laying eggs.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Smith's bent-toed gecko?
Smith's bent-toed gecko, scientifically known as Hemidactylus malcolmsmithi, is a species of lizard belonging to the Gekkonidae family. It is native to India.
Where can Smith's bent-toed gecko be found?
This gecko is found in northern India, primarily in the Indian state of Punjab. Its preferred natural habitats include shrubland and forest areas, with the Beas River basin in Punjab noted as the type locality.
What are the physical characteristics of Smith's bent-toed gecko?
Smith's bent-toed gecko is a small species, with a maximum recorded snout-to-vent length of 5.4 cm. A notable feature is the series of 10–14 femoral pores present on the ventral surface of each thigh.
How does Smith's bent-toed gecko reproduce?
Smith's bent-toed gecko is oviparous, meaning it reproduces by laying eggs.
What are the common names for Hemidactylus malcolmsmithi?
Besides Smith's bent-toed gecko, this species is also commonly known as Malcolm's bow-fingered gecko.
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