Kandyan day gecko facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kandyan day gecko |
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The Kandyan day gecko or Kandyan rock gecko (Cnemaspis kandiana) is a type of small gecko that is active during the day. It lives only in Sri Lanka, especially around the city of Kandy. This gecko is known for its unique patterns and its ability to blend into its rocky home.
About the Kandyan Day Gecko
This gecko has a body that helps it move easily through rocks and crevices. Its head is a bit long, and its snout (nose area) is slightly pointed. The eyes are quite large, and the ear openings are small and oval-shaped.
Physical Features
The Kandyan day gecko has a slender body and thin legs. Its back legs are long enough to reach its armpits or shoulders. Its toes are also thin and have special pads underneath that help it grip surfaces.
The skin on its head is covered with tiny, bumpy scales. The rest of its head has very small, grain-like scales. The scales on its body are also small and have a slight ridge, like a tiny keel on a boat. Mixed in with these are scattered, slightly larger, ridged bumps. Along its sides, it has small, widely spaced, spine-like bumps.
Color and Patterns
The Kandyan day gecko is usually brown on top, with different shades of darker and lighter brown. These colors often form stripes or patterns across its back and tail. Sometimes, it might even have a light stripe running down its back. The spine-like bumps on its sides are white, which helps them stand out. Its belly is light brown or a dirty white color, and sometimes its throat can look a bit dark.
Size
From its snout to the base of its tail, this gecko is about 1.4 inches (3.5 cm) long. Its tail is a bit longer, measuring about 1.5 inches (3.8 cm).
Where it Lives
The Kandyan day gecko was first discovered in the mountains around Kandy, a city in Sri Lanka. This is why it's called the "Kandyan" day gecko. It prefers rocky areas where it can hide and hunt for food during the day.
