Lizard on wall - closeup, Santa María, Colombia

Key characteristic seems to be the dark banded tail. Species identification under investigation.

comments (6)

John Sullivan

Lion

This is some species of the gecko genus Gonatodes. Breeding males usually have very distinctive colors and patterns, but females and non-breeding males can be hard to tell apart. There are at least a few candidate species in Colombia (see http://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/advanced_search?genus=Gonatodes&location=Colombia&submit=Search). My first guess would be Gonatodes humerals, due in part to the pale light bar just behind the shoulders. Posted 8 years ago
1. Ferdy Christant
  
  Lion
  
  Thanks a lot, John. My mistake was to focus in the list on Gekkonidae, not realizing Sphaerodactylidae houses the larger list of geckos. Bit weird that it's called the Trinidad Gecko, but went with your suggestion, thanks! Posted 8 years ago
2. 1. John Sullivan
    
    Lion
    
    That English name is a bit silly nowadays. The type specimen is from Trinidad, but it ranges through much of South America. It has various other English names also, including "Bridled Forest Gecko" due to that pale light bar behind the shoulders. Posted 8 years ago
  2. 1. Ferdy Christant
      
      Lion
      
      That sounds like a far better name. Is it well known enough to change it, you think? Posted 8 years ago
    2. 1. John Sullivan
        
        Lion
        
        I think so. In fact, if you Google for "Trinidad Gecko" (with the quotes) and "Bridled Forest Gecko", there are more hits for the latter than the former. Posted 8 years ago
      2. Ferdy Christant
        
        Lion
        
        Thanks, species name updated. Posted 8 years ago

The Bridled Forest Gecko

Gonatodes humeralis, the Bridled Forest Gecko, is a Sphaerodactylid Gecko that is distributed east of the Andes in South America. It is sometimes also referred to as the Trinidad Gecko.

Info 4 0

Similar species: Snakes And Lizards

Species identified by Ferdy Christant