Southern Ghats slender gecko
The Southern Ghats slender gecko is a small gecko species found in the hills of southern India, characterized by its slender body and distinctive dark-brown undulating lines on its back. It inhabits rocky areas at higher elevations. Its coloration provides camouflage against its natural surroundings.
Key Facts
- ›Found in the hills of southern India, including the Anamallays and Kolli Hills.
- ›Possesses a slender, elongate body, with females generally appearing more elongated than males.
- ›Features a grey-brown dorsal coloration with dark-brown undulating lines or spots.
- ›A dark brown streak runs from the snout through the eye to the forelimb.
- ›Has small, granular scales on its back and larger, flat, imbricate scales on its abdomen.
- ›Males possess a series of 7 to 9 preanal pores.
Southern Ghats Slender Gecko
Southern India, Anamallays, Western Ghats, Bangalore, Kolli Hills, Shevaroys
Hills, Rocky Areas, Elevated Regions
- Head Oviform, Longer Than Broad.
- Snout Rounded, Very Convex, Slightly Shorter Than the Distance Between Eye and Ear-Opening.
- Ear-Opening Very Small and Round.
- Body Elongate, More So In Females Than Males.
- Limbs Short.
- Digits Short and Free, With Rudimentary Inner Digits.
- Two Large Chevron-Shaped Divided Lamellae Under the Distal Part of Digits.
- Head Covered With Very Minute Granules.
- Rostral and Mental Scales Very Small.
- Labials Very Small, 9 Or 10 Upper and As Many Lower.
- Back Covered With Very Small Granular Scales.
- Abdominal Scales A Little Larger, Flat, and Imbricate.
- Male With An Angular Series of 7 To 9 Preanal Pores.
- Tail Cylindrical and Tapering, Covered With Small Imbricated Smooth Scales, Larger Below.
- Dorsal Coloration Is Grey-Brown With Dark-Brown Undulating Lines Or Spots Along the Head and Back.
- A Dark Brown Streak From the Snout Tip To the Fore Limb, Passing Through the Eye.
- Whitish Dots Scattered On the Head and Back.
- Tail With Darker Spots Or Annuli and Two Large Whitish Black-Edged Spots At the Base.
- Lower Surfaces Are Whitish, More Or Less Speckled With Brownish.
- Snout To Vent Length: 1.4 in .
- Tail Length: 1.25 in .
About Southern Ghats slender gecko
The Southern Ghats slender gecko, scientifically known as Hemiphyllodactylus aurantiacus, is a small lizard species native to the hills of southern India. Its distribution is notably restricted to this geographical region, with specific sightings in areas such as the Anamallays, the Western Ghats, Bangalore, and the Kolli Hills.
Physical Description
This gecko is characterized by its slender and elongate body, which tends to be more pronounced in females. The head is oviform, longer than it is broad, featuring a rounded and convex snout. Its limbs are short, and its digits are small and free, with rudimentary inner digits. The dorsal surface typically displays a grey-brown coloration, often adorned with dark-brown undulating lines or spots that can be broken into patterns. A distinctive dark brown streak extends from the tip of the snout, passing through the eye, and continuing to the forelimb. The tail is cylindrical and tapers, covered in small, smooth, imbricated scales, with larger scales found on the underside. Males of the species possess a series of 7 to 9 preanal pores.
Habitat and Distribution
The Southern Ghats slender gecko is primarily found in elevated regions and hilly terrains. Historical records indicate its presence under stones in areas like the Shevaroy Hills, specifically around Yercaud, at an elevation of approximately 4,000 feet. This preference for higher altitudes and rocky environments shapes its ecological niche.
Size and Anatomy
Adult specimens of the Southern Ghats slender gecko are relatively small. Measurements indicate a snout-to-vent length of around 1.4 inches (36 mm) and a tail length of approximately 1.25 inches (32 mm). The scales covering its body are small and granular on the back, while the abdominal scales are slightly larger, flatter, and imbricate. The lower surfaces of the gecko are whitish, often speckled with brownish hues.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the scientific name of the Southern Ghats slender gecko?
The scientific name of the Southern Ghats slender gecko is Hemiphyllodactylus aurantiacus. This binomial nomenclature is used to classify the species within the scientific community.
Where is the Southern Ghats slender gecko found?
This gecko species has a restricted distribution in the hills of southern India. Documented locations include the Anamallays (Anailmalais), Western Ghats, Bangalore, and the Kolli Hills.
What are the physical characteristics of the Southern Ghats slender gecko?
It has a head that is oviform and longer than broad, with a rounded, convex snout. The body is elongate, and the limbs are short. Dorsally, it is grey-brown with dark-brown undulating lines or spots, and a dark streak runs from the snout through the eye. Its scales are small and granular on the back, becoming larger and imbricate on the abdomen.
What is the typical size of the Southern Ghats slender gecko?
Adult specimens have been measured with a snout-to-vent length of approximately 1.4 inches (36 mm) and a tail length of about 1.25 inches (32 mm).
What is the habitat of the Southern Ghats slender gecko?
The Southern Ghats slender gecko is typically found in hilly regions, often under stones at higher elevations, such as around Yercaud in the Shevaroy Hills at an altitude of 4,000 feet.
Related Lizards
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.
Blanford's rock agama
Blanford's rock agama is a species of lizard endemic to Peninsular India, easily recognized by its distinct coloration during the breeding season. Males develop a scarlet or red head and anterior body, while the rest of their body turns nearly black. This species primarily inhabits rocky areas and is known for its insectivorous diet and oviparous reproduction.
Blanford's rock lizard (Psammophilus blanfordanus)
Blanford's rock lizard (Psammophilus blanfordanus) is a species of agamid lizard found in Peninsular India, primarily east of its relative, P. dorsalis. This species is distinguished by physical features like a deeper fold on the front of the humerus and scale characteristics. Males exhibit striking scarlet or red coloration on their heads and anterior bodies during the breeding season.