Common Dwarf Gecko

Common Dwarf Gecko, Puerto Rican Eyespot Sphaero (Eng.), Salamanquita Gecko, Salamanquita Común (Sp.), Sphaerodactylus macrolepis grandisquamus (Sci.), Native, Puerto Rico.

Photo Father Alejandro Snchez, www.kingsnake.com/westindian. Information compiled by Alan Mowbray, Interpretive Media Writer, EYNF/LEF

General Information

One of the two genuses of gekkonid lizards (the other is Phyllodactylus) is the Sphaerodactylus. They are small, ground-dwelling lizards usually found under rocks, logs and leaf-litter. They are mostly crepuscular (appearing only at twilight and at sun-up) and are very secretive. Sphaerodactylus lizards can be distinguished from other gekkonids by their small size, round or oval, rather than vertical eye pupils, and each digit terminating in a single, round adhesive pad or scale, from which their name Sphaerodactylus (round-finger) is derived. There are nine separate sub-species of the species S. macrolepis.

Description

The Common Dwarf Gecko can be easily recognized by its elongated body, slim, pointed head and snout and its small eyes. Males of the species have a flat, smooth, unpigmented area of scales on the posterior belly, and five or six rows of scales before the vent. Males are tan or brown with black freckles over the body. They have a black spot on the head and shoulder. The shoulder spot usually contains one or two white dots within it. Females are similarly colored and may contain parallel longitudinal lines along the body. Snout to vent length is typically 0.7 inch (17 millimeters).

Habits

Sphaerodactylus are voiceless. Reproduction occurs during the summer months. Females lay one egg at a time. The egg can be as large as an adult lizards head (0.2 inches/7 millimeters) and has a hard shell, unlike those of many other lizard species. The incubation period can last from two the three months.

Habitat

Northeast and East coastal areas and lower to middle elevations in the Tabonuco, Palo Colorado and Sierra Palm forest areas of the El Yunque National Forest.

Where to look for this animal in the EYNF

During daybreak or twilight hours, under leaf litter, rocks or logs, along the El Portal and Big Tree nature trails.