Wynad day gecko
Cnemaspis wynadensis·Gekkonidae·Not specified in text
The Wynad day gecko (Cnemaspis wynadensis) is a small gecko species endemic to the Western Ghats in Kerala, India. It inhabits moist forests and is distinguished by its granular scales, some of which are keeled, and a marbled brown coloration. This species is known from only two specific locations within its range.
Key Facts
- ›Endemic to the Western Ghats in Kerala, India.
- ›Known from only two locations: Wayanad and Silent Valley National Park.
- ›Possesses small, keeled granules on the head and larger, keeled granules on the upper body.
- ›Abdominal scales are smooth.
- ›Adults typically measure around 4.1 cm from snout to vent, with a tail length of about 4.6 cm.
- ›Coloration is brown, marbled with darker and lighter shades, and features a marbled brown underside.
Wynad Day Gecko
India
- Head Covered With Very Small Granules, Keeled On the Snout.
- Upper Body Surface Has Large Round Granules, Each With A Raised Central Point Or Short Keel, Largest On the Sides.
- Granules Can Be Homogeneous Or Intermixed With Much Smaller Ones.
- Abdominal Scales Are Smooth.
- Possesses Six Upper and Seven Or Eight Lower Labials.
- Males Have Four Or Five Femoral Pores On Each Side.
- Tail Generally Has A Median Series of Transversely Dilated Plates Below.
- Coloration Is Brown Above, Marbled With Darker and Lighter Shades.
- Median Dorsal Line Is Sometimes Lighter and Dark-Bordered.
- Underside Is Brownish, and the Throat Is Brown-Marbled.
- Tail Underside Is Dark Brown, Usually Lighter Spotted.
Insects
Similar Habit To Cnemaspis Indicus
About Wynad day gecko
The Wynad day gecko, scientifically known as Cnemaspis wynadensis, is a small lizard species native to the Western Ghats of Kerala, India. This gecko is known to inhabit moist forest environments and is currently identified from only two specific locations: Wayanad and Silent Valley National Park.
Description and Characteristics
This species shares similarities in habit with Cnemaspis indicus. Its physical features include a head covered in very small, keeled granules, particularly on the snout. The upper surface of its body is adorned with larger, round granules, each possessing a raised central point or a short keel, which are most prominent on the sides. These granules can vary from being uniform to intermixed with much smaller ones, a variation that is not considered a significant distinguishing feature. In contrast, the abdominal scales are smooth. The species has six upper and seven or eight lower labial scales. Male Wynad day geckos are characterized by having four or five femoral pores on each side.
The tail generally displays a median series of transversely dilated plates on its underside. In terms of coloration, the Wynad day gecko is brown dorsally, intricately marbled with darker and lighter hues. A median dorsal line is sometimes present, appearing lighter and bordered by darker shades. The underside of the body is brownish, with a distinctly brown-marbled throat. The tail's underside is dark brown, often marked with lighter spots.
Size and Distribution
The Wynad day gecko is a diminutive species. Adults typically measure approximately 1.6 inches (4.1 cm) from snout to vent. The tail is comparably longer, usually measuring around 1.8 inches (4.6 cm). The species' known distribution is restricted to the Western Ghats, specifically within Kerala, India, with documented occurrences in Wayanad and Silent Valley National Park. The original description notes its habitat as 'Wynaad and hill-ranges further south, in moist forests'.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Wynad day gecko found?
The Wynad day gecko is found in the Western Ghats region of Kerala, India. It is specifically known from two locations: Wayanad and Silent Valley National Park.
What does the Wynad day gecko look like?
This gecko is brown above, marked with darker and lighter marbling, and sometimes has a lighter, dark-bordered median dorsal line. Its underside is brownish with a brown-marbled throat, and its tail underside is dark brown, often with lighter spots. The body is covered in small, keeled granules on the head and larger, keeled granules on the upper surfaces.
How large does the Wynad day gecko get?
The Wynad day gecko is a small species. From snout to vent, it typically measures about 1.6 inches (4.1 cm), with its tail measuring approximately 1.8 inches (4.6 cm).
What kind of habitat does the Wynad day gecko prefer?
The Wynad day gecko is found in moist forests. Its type locality is described as 'Wynaad and hill-ranges further south, in moist forests'.
Related Lizards
Cnemaspis wynadensis
The Wynad day gecko (Cnemaspis wynadensis) is a species of gecko found exclusively in the Western Ghats of Kerala, India. This small lizard is characterized by its granular scales, particularly on the upper body, and a marbled brown coloration. It inhabits moist forests and is known from only two specific locations.
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.
Acanthocercus atricollis
The black-necked agama, Acanthocercus atricollis, is a species of tree agama found across East, Central, and southern Africa. These lizards are known for forming structured colonies and are often found in high densities near human settlements due to reduced predator presence. They are primarily insectivorous ambush predators.