Jerdon's day gecko facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Jerdon's day gecko |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Cnemaspis
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| Species: |
jerdonii
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| Synonyms | |
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The Jerdon's day gecko (Cnemaspis jerdonii) is a cool type of gecko. Geckos are small lizards that belong to the family called Gekkonidae. This particular gecko is special because it is only found in certain parts of India and Sri Lanka.
Contents
Discovering the Jerdon's Day Gecko
Who is Thomas C. Jerdon?
The scientific name for this gecko, jerdonii, was chosen to honor a British biologist named Thomas C. Jerdon. He was a very important scientist who studied animals and plants in India a long time ago.
What Does the Jerdon's Day Gecko Look Like?
Size and Shape
The Jerdon's day gecko is similar in general shape to other geckos like the Cnemaspis kandianus. Its toes are not wide and flat like some geckos. Instead, they have special plates underneath that help them grip surfaces. The plates closest to the end of the toes are the biggest.
Skin and Scales
This gecko's skin on its back is covered with many small, smooth bumps, like tiny granules. On its snout, these bumps are a bit larger. It also has a few pointy, spine-like bumps along its sides. Its belly scales are smooth and overlap each other, like roof tiles.
Color and Markings
Jerdon's day geckos are usually grey-brown. They often have darker cloud-like patterns on their bodies. The small spines on their sides are white. Sometimes, they have a black spot on their neck. Their underside is whitish, but their throat might have tiny brown dots.
Special Features
Male Jerdon's day geckos have special pores on their thighs, called femoral pores. These pores are thought to help them mark their territory or attract mates. Their tail is round and gets thinner towards the end. It's covered in smooth scales, with some larger bumps scattered near the base.
