Sphaerodactylus richardi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sphaerodactylus richardi |
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Sphaerodactylus
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richardi
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The Sphaerodactylus richardi, also known as Richard's banded sphaero or the Zapata big-scaled sphaero, is a tiny gecko. Geckos are a type of lizard that belong to the family Sphaerodactylidae. This special gecko lives only in Cuba, meaning it is endemic to that island.
About the Name
The scientific name for this gecko, richardi, honors an American herpetologist named Richard Thomas. A herpetologist is a scientist who studies reptiles and amphibians.
Gecko Family Tree
Sphaerodactylus richardi is part of a group of geckos called the scaber group. Other geckos in this group include S. oliveri, S. scaber, and S. storeyae.
What Does It Look Like?
This small gecko can grow up to about 31.1 millimeters (which is about 1.2 inches) long from its snout to the base of its tail. It has large scales on its back that do not overlap. However, in the middle of its back, there is a narrow strip of tiny, grainy scales. Adult geckos of this species usually have 5 to 6 bold, dark bands across their bodies.
Where Does It Live?
The S. richardi gecko likes to live in different places. Its favorite habitats include forests, shrublands (areas with many bushes), and even the marine intertidal zone. The intertidal zone is the area of the seashore that is covered by the ocean at high tide and exposed at low tide.
Reproduction
Sphaerodactylus richardi is an oviparous species. This means that the female gecko lays eggs, and the baby geckos hatch from these eggs.
