(Photo:Khandekar A et al.)
Think of a gecko, and you probably think of a little green reptile.
Maybe even the talkingGeico geckocomes to mind.
The Cnemaspis vangoghi in three variations, (from top) adult male, adult female, and younger male. (Photo:Khandekar A et al.)
But geckos actually come in a variety of colors.
AMediterannean house gecko, however, is pinkish and pebbly.
The Western Ghats are a luscious, green mountain range in India.
Taxonomy of the geckos. (Photo:Khandekar A et al.)
According toUNESCO, they are one of the worlds eight hottest hotspots of biological diversity.
Scampering among its leaves are countless creatures, as well as hundreds of endangered species.
As demonstrated by the recent discovery, there are also species still awaiting discovery, naming, and documenting.
The habitat of the other newly discovered species, Cnemaspis sathuragiriensis, in India. (Photo:Khandekar A et al.)
Mature males ofCnemaspis vangoghidevelop a stunning bluish purple skin, speckled with robin’s egg blue.
Across their backs, spreads a sunflower yellow.
Unfortunately, females of the species are not blessed with the bluish hue.
Instead, they have a charming black and tan speckled pattern.
Youths, too, are less colorful, although the males mature into their artistic hues.
Taxonomy of the geckos.
(Photo:Khandekar A et al.)
The habitat of the other newly discovered species, Cnemaspis sathuragiriensis, in India.
(Photo:Khandekar A et al.)
