Kingdom Animalia Class Reptilia Infraorder Gekkota Phylum Chordata Rank Species | Subphylum Vertebrata Suborder Sauria Family Gekkonidae Genus Calodactylodes Order Scaled reptiles | |
Similar Calodactylodes, Rough‑bellied day gecko, Kandyan day gecko | ||
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.
Contents
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.