Sphaerodactylus notatus
Sphaerodactylus notatus, also known as the Florida reef gecko or brown-speckled sphaero, is a small species of gecko native to the Caribbean.
| Sphaerodactylus notatus | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Family: | Sphaerodactylidae |
| Genus: | Sphaerodactylus |
| Species: | S. notatus |
| Binomial name | |
| Sphaerodactylus notatus Baird, 1859 | |
Distribution
It is found in Cuba and the Bahamas. It is widely considered to be one of the few geckos native to the United States. However, in recent years, many herpetologists questioned whether it should truly be considered native. Current evidence supports the claim of Stejneger and Barbour (1933) that the species was introduced into Key West in 1878 when trade between Florida and Cuba was far more common.[1] The same introduction pathway is responsible for at least 7 other herpetofaunal species established in Florida.[2]
It can be found in both natural and man-made habitats. It is mainly found in damp forests, under logs, or in hollow logs.
Description
Sphaerodactylus notatus is a small lizard, about two inches long. It feeds on insects and spiders.
- Krysko, Kenneth L., author. Amphibians and reptiles of Florida. ISBN 1-68340-044-5. OCLC 1029789085.CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
- KRYSKO, KENNETH L.; SOMMA, LOUIS A.; ROCHFORD, MICHAEL R.; GILLETTE, CHRISTOPHER R.; ENGE, KEVIN M.; CUEVA, DANIEL (2012-02-20). "Taxonomic corrections of certain verified non-indigenous reptiles from Florida reported by Krysko et al. (2011)". Zootaxa. 3199 (1): 66. doi:10.11646/zootaxa.3199.1.3. ISSN 1175-5334.