Sphaerodactylus beattyi

Sphaerodactylus beattyi, also known commonly as the Saint Croix's sphaero, Beatty's least gecko,^[2] and the cotton ginner gecko,^[3] is a species of lizard in the family Sphaerodactylidae. The species is endemic to Saint Croix in the United States Virgin Islands.^[2] There are two recognized subspecies.

Sphaerodactylus beattyi
Conservation status
Endangered  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Suborder:	Gekkota
Family:	Sphaerodactylidae
Genus:	Sphaerodactylus
Species:	S. beattyi
Binomial name
Sphaerodactylus beattyi Grant, 1937

Etymology

The specific name, beattyi, is in honor of Crucian naturalist Harry Andrew Beatty (1902–1989).^[4]

The subspecific name, seamani, is in honor of Crucian George A. Seaman.^[5]

Habitat

The preferred habitats of S. beattyi are shrubland and forest at altitudes of 0–150 m (0–492 ft).^[1]

Reproduction

S. beattyi is oviparous.^[2]

Subspecies

Two subspecies are recognized as being valid, including the nominotypical subspecies.^[2]

• Sphaerodactylus beattyi beattyi Grant, 1937
• Sphaerodactylus beattyi seamani Thomas & Schwartz, 1966