Calodactylodes illingworthorum

Sri Lankan golden gecko
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Subphylum:	Vertebrata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Suborder:	Sauria
Infraorder:	Gekkota
Family:	Gekkonidae
Genus:	Calodactylodes
Species:	C. illingworthorum
Binomial name
*Calodactylodes illingworthorum* (Deraniyagala, 1953)

The Sri Lankan golden gecko or Illingworth's golden gecko,(Calodactylodes illingworthorum ) is a species of gecko known only from the island of Sri Lanka.

Habitat & Distribution

A large, rock-dwelling gecko from dry zone of Sri Lanka. Distributed in the monsoon forests of the eastern parts of the country, such as Namadagala, Monaragala, Nilgala, Gal Oya National Park, Buttala, and Ampara.

Description

The gecko's head is wider than its body with vertical pupils. It has two pairs of enlarged, nearly rectangular lamellae under each finger and toe. The gecko has a tail with 27 segments. Its Dorsum is a yellow-ochre color with dark brown spots; its throat is either bright yellow or orange; its chest and venter are pale gray or yellow. The gecko has 4 pre-anal pores and 4 to 10 Femoral pores.

Ecology & Diet

Inhabits rocky biotope, such as granitic caves within savannah ad monsoon forests. A singe cave may house up to 50 individuals. Diet comprises large insects, such as dipterans, coleopterans, their larvae, glow-worms, and other arthropods. Its call uttered throughout the day, and more commonly at dusk, is a harsh, chuckling note. They leave their rock habitat by dusk to the adjoining vegetation for foraging and return in the morning.

Reproduction

Eggs, measuring 14.9 * 8.2mm are produced at communal nesting sites, glued to rock surfaces. Over 100 eggs are produced at a time. Hatchlings measure 27mm.

References

External sources

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