Class Reptilia Infraorder Gekkota Phylum Chordata Order Scaled reptiles | Subphylum Vertebrata Suborder Sauria Rank Genus | |
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Similar Afrogecko, Perochirus, Crossobamon, Paragehyra, Alsophylax | ||
Calodactylodes is a genus of lizards in the family Gekkonidae (geckos) distributed in peninsular India and Sri Lanka. They are primarily distinguished from other lizards by their characteristic, paired flower petal-like skin extensions on their fingers and toes.
Contents
Taxonomy
The generic name, Calodactylodes, created in 1928 by Embrik Strand, is a replacement name for Beddome's Calodactylus. Replacement was necessary because when Richard Henry Beddome created Calodactylus in 1870, and this name was already preoccupied by a genus of beetles which Émile Blanchard had named Calodactylus in 1850.
Species
The following two species are recognized:
The Indian species is found in the Eastern Ghats hill range in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu states; while the Sri Lankan species is found in the Eastern Province, Sri Lanka.
Natural History
Both the species live in rock crevices, are nocturnal, insectivorous and very social, living in colonies of multiple individuals. During breeding seasons, the dominant male acquires a brilliant golden yellow colour all over the body and hence the name. Females and young ones are drab brown, camouflaging among the rocks. These geckoes are very vocal and their loud rattling calls are often to be heard inside the dark ravines. They reproduce by laying eggs. Females are communal nesters and many may lay their eggs (often numbering in thousands) together simultaneously in a safe and suitable rock crevice, away from predators' reach.