Sphaerodactylus inigoi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sphaerodactylus inigoi |
|
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Sphaerodactylus
|
| Species: |
inigoi
|
The Isla Vieques dwarf gecko (Sphaerodactylus inigoi) is a very small lizard. It belongs to a family of lizards called Sphaerodactylidae. This special gecko lives only in certain places. You can find it on the islands of Vieques and western Culebra, which are part of Puerto Rico.
Contents
Meet the Isla Vieques Dwarf Gecko
This tiny lizard is known for being one of the smallest geckos in the world. Its scientific name, Sphaerodactylus inigoi, helps scientists around the globe know exactly which animal they are talking about. It was first described by scientists Richard Thomas and Albert Schwartz in 1966.
What Makes This Gecko Special?
The Isla Vieques dwarf gecko is endemic to its islands. This means it lives naturally only in Vieques and Culebra and nowhere else on Earth. This makes it very unique and important to protect.
Where Does This Tiny Lizard Live?
These geckos prefer warm, tropical places. They can be found hiding in leaf litter, under rocks, or in small crevices. Their small size helps them move easily through these tight spaces.
How Scientists Study Geckos
For a while, the Isla Vieques dwarf gecko was thought to be a type of Sphaerodactylus macrolepis. But scientists looked closer at its body features (morphology) and its DNA (molecular data). They found enough differences to decide it was its own separate species. This is how new species are often identified and named!
