Gymnodactylus nebulosus

Gymnodactylus nebulosus," commonly known as the "nebulous gecko," is a species of gecko found in various parts of the Caribbean and Central America. Here are detailed notes about Gymnodactylus nebulosus, including identification features, reproduction, and habitat:

DESCRIPTION

• Head rather large, oviform, generally very convex, sometimes more depressed; snout longer than the diameter of the orbit or the distance between the eye and the ear-opening; forehead slightly concave; ear-opening elliptical, oblique, one third to one half the diameter of the eye.

• Body rather short, not much depressed. Limbs moderate; digits short, thick, slightly depressed at the base, compressed at the end, beneath with enlarged plates.

• Head covered with granules, which are larger on the snout; rostral quadrangular, generally nearly twice as broad as deep; nostril pierced between the rostral, the first labial, and several small scales; 9 to 11 upper and 7 to 9 lower labials; mental triangular; a pair of large chin-shields forming a suture behind the point of the mental, surrounded by several smaller shields.

• Upper surface of body covered with small granules, which are uniform or intermixed with more or less numerous, irregularly scattered, small roundish keeled tubercles. Abdominal scales small, cycloid, imbricate, smooth. No femoral or pre-anal pores. Tail cylindrical, tapering, probably prehensile, covered with small imbricate smooth scales, largest below. Pale brownish above, variously ornamented with brown spots or cross bands becoming blackish towards their borders and more or less distinctly finely margined with lighter; head marbled or elegantly marked with insuliform brown spots, with a brown band passing through the eye; lower surfaces whitish, the throat reticulated with brown, which reticulation has a tendency to form oblique lines. From snout to vent 2 inches: tail 1.7.

• They have five digits on each limb, each ending in adhesive pads covered in tiny lamellae, which allow them to climb and stick to various surfaces. Their toepads are well-developed and enable them to climb walls and ceilings with ease.

REPRODUCTION

• Nebulous geckos, like many gecko species, reproduce through internal fertilization and lay eggs.

• During the breeding season, male geckos engage in territorial and courtship behaviors. Males may communicate with chirping or vocalizations to attract females.

• Copulation involves the male using specialized structures called hemipenes to transfer sperm to the female's reproductive tract.

• After fertilization, the female will lay one or more eggs, typically in concealed locations such as crevices, under rocks, or in other hidden spots. The number of eggs in a clutch varies among individuals and may range from one to several.

• The eggs are left to incubate in their hidden locations, and the warmth of the environment aids in their development.

• After a period of incubation, the eggs hatch, and the young geckos emerge as fully formed miniature versions of adults.

HABITAT

• They can inhabit both tropical and subtropical forests, where they often seek refuge in tree hollows, bark crevices, or leaf litter.

• Nebulous geckos are known to adapt to urban environments, including gardens, parks, and buildings. They are commonly seen on walls, ceilings, and trees in urban areas.

• These geckos are often found in rocky areas, including limestone formations and rocky outcrops.

• Some populations of nebulous geckos can be found in coastal habitats, including beaches and mangroves.