Termite hill gecko
The Termite hill gecko, scientifically known as *Hemidactylus lankae*, is a ground-dwelling gecko species found exclusively in the dry zones of Sri Lanka. Characterized by its distinctive dark-light banding and saddle-like patches, it inhabits open forests and shrublands, sheltering in rock crevices and rodent burrows during the day. Its diet consists mainly of termites, supplemented by various insects and spiders.
Key Facts
- ›Endemic to the dry zones of Sri Lanka, found below 300m elevation.
- ›Features a yellowish-olive dorsum with three large, brown, black-edged saddle-like patches.
- ›Nocturnal and terrestrial, it shelters in rock cracks, under bark, and in rodent burrows.
- ›Diet includes termites, crickets, grasshoppers, spiders, and beetles, often congregating on termite mounds.
- ›Clutches typically contain 2 to 6 eggs, measuring approximately 10 X 12mm.
- ›Hatchlings measure around 22mm in length.
Termite-Hill Gecko, Sri Lanka Leaf-Toed Gecko
Sri Lanka
Dry Zone, Open Forests, Shrublands, Rock Cracks, Under Bark, Rodent Burrows
- Head Is Large.
- Indistinct Lateral Skin Fold Present.
- Forehead and Back Covered With Large, 16-18 Rows of Convex Tubercles.
- Males Possess 13-19 Pre-Ano-Femoral Pores.
- Dorsum Is Yellowish-Olive With Three Large, Brown, Saddle-Like Patches Edged With Black.
- Head Has Yellow Stripes Originating Behind the Eye and Extending Across the Nape.
- Venter Is Unpatterned Creamy.
- Tail Is Dark Banded.
Termites, Crickets, Grasshoppers, Spiders, Beetles
- Nocturnal
- Terrestrial
- Shelters During the Day
- Congregates On Termitaria With Swarming Termite Alates
About Termite hill gecko
The Termite hill gecko, scientifically designated as Hemidactylus lankae and also known as the Sri Lanka leaf-toed gecko, is a species of gecko native to the island nation of Sri Lanka. This reptile is specifically found in the dry zones of the country, typically at elevations below 300 meters.
Habitat and Distribution
This gecko is a ground-dwelling species found in open forests and shrublands. During daylight hours, it seeks refuge in sheltered locations such as rock cracks, beneath tree bark, and within the burrows of rodents. Its distribution is recorded across several localities within Sri Lanka, including Kandalama, Dambulla, Giritale, Bakamuna, Puttalam, Wilpattu National Park, and Menikdena.
Physical Characteristics
The Termite hill gecko possesses a distinctive appearance. Its head is relatively large, and an indistinct lateral skin fold is present along its body. The dorsal surface, including the forehead and back, is covered with prominent convex tubercles arranged in 16 to 18 rows. Males of the species are identifiable by the presence of 13 to 19 pre-ano-femoral pores. The gecko's dorsum is a yellowish-olive color, marked by three large, saddle-like brown patches that are edged with black. The head features yellow stripes that extend from behind the eye across the nape. In contrast, the venter is a plain, creamy color, and the tail is characterized by dark banding.
Ecology and Diet
As a nocturnal and terrestrial creature, the Termite hill gecko emerges at night to forage. Its diet is varied, comprising termites, which are a primary food source, along with other arthropods such as crickets, grasshoppers, spiders, and beetles. Notably, these geckos have been observed congregating on termite mounds, particularly when winged termites are swarming, indicating a opportunistic feeding strategy.
Reproduction
The reproductive cycle of the Termite hill gecko involves the laying of clutches typically containing between two and six eggs. These eggs measure approximately 10 by 12 millimeters. The egg-laying period is documented to occur between May and July. Hatchlings emerge from the eggs at a length of about 22 millimeters.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the scientific name for the Termite hill gecko?
The scientific name for the Termite hill gecko is *Hemidactylus lankae*. It is also sometimes referred to as the Sri Lanka leaf-toed gecko.
Where is the Termite hill gecko found?
The Termite hill gecko is endemic to the island of Sri Lanka, specifically found in the dry zones below 300 meters elevation. Known localities include Kandalama, Dambulla, and Wilpattu National Park.
What does the Termite hill gecko look like?
This gecko has a yellowish-olive back with three large, brown, saddle-like patches outlined in black. Its head features yellow stripes, and its belly is an unpatterned creamy color. The tail is dark banded, and its body has an indistinct lateral skin fold with convex tubercles on the forehead and back.
What is the diet of the Termite hill gecko?
The Termite hill gecko is primarily an insectivore, feeding on termites, crickets, grasshoppers, spiders, and beetles. They are known to gather at termite mounds when winged termites are swarming.
What are the reproduction habits of the Termite hill gecko?
Termite hill geckos lay clutches of 2 to 6 eggs, which measure about 10 by 12 millimeters. Egg-laying typically occurs between May and July. Hatchlings emerge at approximately 22mm in length.
What kind of habitat does the Termite hill gecko prefer?
This species inhabits open forests and shrublands within the dry zone of Sri Lanka. During the day, it seeks shelter in rock cracks, beneath bark, and within rodent burrows.
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