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Cnemaspis scalpensis

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Cnemaspis scalpensis
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Gekkonidae
Genus: Cnemaspis
Species:
C. scalpensis
Binomial name
Cnemaspis scalpensis
(Ferguson, 1877)
Synonyms[2]
  • Gymnodactylus scalpensis
    Ferguson, 1877
  • Cnemaspis jerdoni scalpensis
    Deraniyagala, 1953
  • Cnemaspis ranwellai
    Wickramasinghe, 2006
  • Cnemaspis scalpensis
    — Wickramasinghe & Munindradasa, 2007

Cnemaspis scalpensis, commonly called Ferguson's day gecko or the rocky day gecko, is a species of diurnal gecko in the family Gekkonidae. The species is found only in Sri Lanka.

Geographic range and habitat

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C. scalpensis is found in the Kandy valley in Sri Lanka,[1] and more common in the dry zone, than the wet zone.[citation needed] Its preferred natural habitat is forest, but it has also been found in gardens with large trees.[1] Localities include Gannoruwa,[1] Gammaduwa, Palmadulla, Ritigala, and Kandy.[citation needed]

Description

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The snout of C. scalpensis is short. The dorsal scales are smooth granules. The median subcaudals are enlarged. The ventrals are smooth. Preanal pores are absent, but femoral pores are present. The dorsum is brown or bluish-gray, with dense brown reticulations. The forehead and lips have light spots. The throat is dusted with brown, with 5-6 irregular cross bars of light spots. The rest of the venter is bright yellow.[citation needed]

Ecology

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C. scalpensis is a diurnal and crepuscular species, often found in pairs, predominately on trunks of large trees and rarely on rocks.[1]

Reproduction

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C. scalpensis is oviparous.[2] 1-2 eggs with dimensions of 5 mm (0.20 in) are deposited, and hatchlings measure 13 mm (0.51 in).[citation needed]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e Wickramasinghe LJM, Karunarathna S, Perera N, Madawala M, de Alwis Goonatilake S, Botejue M (2021). "Cnemaspis scalpensis ". The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2021: https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2021-3.RLTS.T197226A123312142.en. Accessed on 28 February 2023.
  2. ^ a b Species Cnemaspis scalpensis at The Reptile Database www.reptile-database.org.

Further reading

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  • Ferguson W (1877). "Reptile Fauna of Ceylon". Letter on a collection sent to the Colombo Museum, Herbert, Ceylon. (Gymnodactylus scalpensis, new species).
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