Belize leaf-toed gecko
Species of lizard
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Belize leaf-toed gecko[2] (Phyllodactylus insularis) is a species of gecko native to Belize. It is a small, pale, large headed gecko[3] only found on small islands off Belize's coast[4] and was first described by James R. Dixon in 1960.[5] This species is currently classified as "vulnerable" by the IUCN Red List.[1]
| Belize leaf-toed gecko | |
|---|---|
| |
| Phyllodactylus insularis in Turneffe Flats, Belize | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Gekkota |
| Family: | Phyllodactylidae |
| Genus: | Phyllodactylus |
| Species: | P. insularis |
| Binomial name | |
| Phyllodactylus insularis Dixon, 1960 | |
Description
The Belize leaf-toed gecko is a small, pale, large-headed gecko.[3] It is nocturnal and emerges from under barks and limbs to feed on insects and other arthropods. Like other geckos it has adhesive friction pads on the toes of each foot.[6] The gecko emits a sounds similar to a high pitched squeak or click.[6]
Habitat
Distribution
The Belize leaf-toed gecko has been recorded on Half Moon Caye, Long Caye, Twin Cayes, Glover's Reef, Crawl Caye, False Caye, Lagoon Caye, Peter Douglas Caye, Ambergris Caye and West Snake Caye off the coast of Belize.[4]
Elevation
Reproduction
Predation
Phyllodactus insularis is known to be preyed upon by rats.[3]
Threats
The IUCN Red List reports that habitat destruction caused by tourism development is a threat to this species. It is also threatened by sea level rise and storm surge.[1]