Brilliant South American gecko

The brilliant South American gecko (Gonatodes ceciliae), also known commonly as the brilliant clawed gecko, is a species of lizard in the family Sphaerodactylidae. The species is native to northern South America.

Brilliant South American gecko
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Infraorder:	Gekkota
Family:	Sphaerodactylidae
Genus:	Gonatodes
Species:	G. ceciliae
Binomial name
Gonatodes ceciliae Donoso-Barros, 1966

Etymology

The specific name, ceciliae, is in honor of Cecilia Donoso-Barros, who is the daughter of Chilean herpetologist Roberto Donoso-Barros.^[2]

Geographic range

Gonatodes ceciliae is found in Trinidad and Venezuela.^[3]

Habitat

The preferred natural habitat of Gonatodes ceciliae is forest, at altitudes from sea level to 900 m (3,000 ft).^[1]

Description

Only males of Gonatodes ceciliae have brilliant coloration. Females are grayish brown, with darker blotches.^[1]

Behavior

Gonatodes ceciliae is diurnal.^[3]

Diet

Gonatodes ceciliae preys upon small arthropods^[1] and small snails.^[4]

Reproduction

Gonatodes ceciliae is oviparous.^[3]