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Type: Article
Published: 2020-01-30
Page range: 429–439
Abstract views: 220
PDF downloaded: 5

A new diurnal gecko in the genus Gonatodes (Squamata: Sphaerodactylidae) from Margarita Island, Venezuela

Reserva Ecológica Guáquira, Fundación Guáquira, San Felipe, Yaracuy, Venezuela.
Department of Biology, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, USA.
Reptilia Caribbean Gekkota endemic taxonomy

Abstract

We describe a new species of diurnal gecko, Gonatodes machelae sp. nov., from Cerro El Copey, Margarita Island, Venezuela. The new species is distinguished from all congeners by a combination of the following characters: small size, subcaudal pattern C (1’1’’), typically three lateral scale rows on the digits, and aspects of coloration. The new species exhibits polychromatism similar to what has been described in some other species of Gonatodes. It is found in humid forests and shrublands from about 450 m to 900 m above sea level.

 

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