Spotted Ground Gecko
The Spotted Ground Gecko, scientifically known as *Cyrtodactylus triedrus*, is a small, dark gecko endemic to Sri Lanka's midhills. It is characterized by its turnip-shaped tail and a body covered in granular scales mixed with larger keeled ones. This species is primarily found in decaying logs and under wood piles, with a diet presumed to consist of small arthropods.
Key Facts
- ›Endemic to the island of Sri Lanka.
- ›Found in midhill regions below 700m.
- ›Body scales are granular with intermixed larger keeled scales.
- ›Dorsum is dark brown to black with small, brown-edged white spots.
- ›Females typically lay 2 eggs between April and July.
- ›Diet is presumed to consist of small arthropods.
Spotted Bent-Toed Gecko, Sri Lanka Gecko, Spotted Bow-Fingered Gecko, Spotted Ground Gecko
Sri Lanka
Decaying Logs, Under Wood Piles, Inside Houses, Midhills
- Small Size.
- Dark Brown To Nearly Black Dorsum With Small White Spots Edged With Brown.
- Venter Is Light Brown.
- Body Covered With Small, Granular Scales Intermixed With Larger Keeled Scales.
- Midventral Scales Are Cycloid and Imbricate, Numbering 35.
- Toes Are Short.
- Males Possess 3-4 Pre-Anal Pores and 3-4 Femoral Pores.
- Turnip-Tailed.
Small Arthropods
Inhabits Decaying Logs and Wood Piles., Found Within Houses.
About Spotted Ground Gecko
The Spotted Ground Gecko, scientifically designated as Cyrtodactylus triedrus, is a species of gecko native to the island of Sri Lanka. It is a small reptile, typically found in the midhill regions of the island, specifically at elevations below 700 meters. Its presence has been recorded in areas such as Peradeniya, Gammaduwa, Kithulgala, and the Knuckles Mountain Range.
Physical Characteristics
This gecko is distinguished by its dark coloration, with a dorsum ranging from dark brown to nearly black, often marked by small white spots that are outlined in brown. The underside, or venter, is a lighter shade of brown. Its body is covered in small, granular scales, interspersed with larger, keeled scales. A notable feature is its turnip-shaped tail. Adult males possess a specific set of pores, typically 3-4 pre-anal pores and 3-4 femoral pores. The toes of the Spotted Ground Gecko are described as being short.
Habitat and Ecology
The Spotted Ground Gecko prefers to reside in sheltered environments. It is commonly found under and within decaying fallen logs, which provide both camouflage and protection. Additionally, it can be found under piles of wood and has been observed inside human dwellings. Its diet is presumed to consist of small arthropods, which it likely hunts in its preferred microhabitats.
Reproduction
Reproductive activity for the Spotted Ground Gecko occurs between April and July, during which females typically lay two eggs. The hatchlings measure approximately 23 mm in length and notably lack the pale spotting pattern seen on the dorsum of adult geckos.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the scientific name of the Spotted Ground Gecko?
The scientific name of the Spotted Ground Gecko is *Cyrtodactylus triedrus*. It is also known by other common names such as the spotted bent-toed gecko or Sri Lanka gecko.
Where can the Spotted Ground Gecko be found?
This gecko is endemic to Sri Lanka and is found in the island's midhill regions below 700 meters. Known localities include Peradeniya, Gammaduwa, Kithulgala, and the Knuckles Mountain Range.
What does the Spotted Ground Gecko look like?
It is a small gecko with a dark brown to nearly black dorsum, typically adorned with small white spots outlined in brown. Its body is covered in small, granular scales interspersed with larger, keeled scales, and it has a distinctive turnip-shaped tail.
What is the habitat of the Spotted Ground Gecko?
The Spotted Ground Gecko inhabits environments such as under and inside decaying fallen logs, as well as inside houses and under piles of wood. It prefers the midhill regions of Sri Lanka.
What does the Spotted Ground Gecko eat?
While specific dietary studies are not detailed, its diet is presumed to consist of small arthropods. It is typically found in habitats where such prey would be available.
How does the Spotted Ground Gecko reproduce?
Reproduction involves females laying approximately two eggs at a time. This typically occurs between the months of April and July. Hatchlings are born without the characteristic pale spots on their dorsum.
Related Lizards
Hump-nosed lizard (Lyriocephalus scutatus)
The Hump-nosed lizard (Lyriocephalus scutatus) is the largest agamid lizard endemic to Sri Lanka, residing in dense wet zone forests. This species is characterized by a distinctive bony hump on the head of adults, a laterally compressed body, and a V-shaped gular sac. It inhabits forests with high canopies and dense undergrowth, actively foraging for earthworms, arthropods, and plant matter during the daytime.
East Canary gecko
The East Canary gecko, also known as the Canary wall gecko (Tarentola angustimentalis), is a species of lizard native to the eastern Canary Islands. This plump, dorsally flattened gecko is characterized by adhesive toe pads, small tubercles on its skin, and variable greyish-brown coloration with darker bars. It inhabits a wide range of environments, from rocky shores and shrubland to urban areas, and is commonly observed at night on walls and ceilings.
Tarentola angustimentalis
The East Canary gecko, scientifically known as Tarentola angustimentalis, is a species of lizard endemic to the eastern Canary Islands. This sturdy, plump gecko is characterized by its flattened head and body, adhesive toe pads with strong claws, and a variable greyish-brown coloration often marked with paler stripes and darker bars. It thrives in a variety of habitats, from rocky shores and shrublands to urban areas, and is commonly observed at night on outdoor walls.