Brilliant South American gecko
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Sphaerodactylidae
Genus: Gonatodes
Species:
G. ceciliae
Binomial name
Gonatodes ceciliae

The brilliant South American gecko (Gonatodes ceciliae), also known commonly as the brilliant clawed gecko, is a species of lizard in the family Sphaerodactylidae. The species is native to northern South America.

Etymology

The specific name, ceciliae, is in honor of Cecilia Donoso-Barros, who is the daughter of Chilean herpetologist Roberto Donoso-Barros.[2]

Geographic range

G. ceciliae is found in Trinidad and Venezuela.[3]

Habitat

The preferred natural habitat of G. ceciliae is forest, at altitudes from sea level to 900 m (3,000 ft).[1]

Description

Only males of G. ceciliae have brilliant coloration. Females are grayish brown, with darker blotches.[1]

Behavior

G. ceciliae is diurnal.[3]

Diet

G. ceciliae preys upon small arthropods[1] and small snails.[4]

Reproduction

G. ceciliae is oviparous.[3]

References

  1. ^ a b c d Rivas, G.; Schargel, W.; Murphy, J. (2016). "Gonatodes ceciliae". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T66083097A66083107. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-1.RLTS.T66083097A66083107.en. Retrieved 18 November 2021.
  2. ^ Beolens, Bo; Watkins, Michael; Grayson, Michael (2011). The Eponym Dictionary of Reptiles. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. xiii + 296 pp. ISBN 978-1-4214-0135-5. (Gonatodes ceciliae, p. 50)
  3. ^ a b c Gonatodes ceciliae at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database
  4. ^ "Gonatodes ceciliae (Variegated Gecko)" (PDF). Sta.uwi.edu. Retrieved 9 April 2022.

Further reading