What is Hemidactylus quartziticolus?

May 15, 2023

A new species of gecko, Hemidactylus quartziticolus, has been discovered from the scrub habitats of Vallanadu and Kurumalai reserves forest areas in Tamil Nadu.

About Hemidactylus quartziticolus:

  • The common name suggested by the authors for the new gecko is Quartzite brookish gecko or Thoothukudi brookish gecko.
  • It is the 53rd species of Hemidactylus found in India and the seventh that is endemic to Tamil Nadu.
  • It has been named Hemidactylus quartziticolus because it was found over the quartz rocks.
  • It is unique in various aspects, including dorsal scalation, the number and arrangement of precloacal-femoral pores, the number of dorsal tubercle rows at midbody, the number of lamellae under digit I and IV of manus and pes.
  • It has the most densely packed tubercles among Indian Hemidactylus, almost resembling the most tuberculate Indian Cyrtopodian.
  • Three morphological characteristics of Hemidactylus quartziticolus that make it distinct are its enlarged tubercles, continuous series of 34-38 precloacal-female pores and the few lamellae (four) under digit I of manus and pes.

What is a Gecko?

  • Geckos are small, nocturnal lizardsfound in all the warm parts of the world.
  • There are approximately 1,500 gecko species, and they vary in size.
  • Geckos are found on every continent except Antarctica and live in almost every habitat, including rainforests, deserts and mountains.
  • They also possess a short, stout body, a large head, and typically well-developed limbs.