| Xantus Leaf-toed Gecko | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Family: | Gekkonidae |
| Genus: | Phyllodactylus |
| Species: | P. xanti |
| Binomial name | |
| Phyllodactylus xanti Cope[1] |
|
Xantus Leaf-toed Gecko, or Leaf-toed gecko, refers to the species Phyllodactylus xanti, a gecko found in California and Mexico. It has vertical pupils, immovable eyelids, and leaf-like toe pads. The dorsal granular scales are interspersed with tubercles, and a brownish, grey or pinkish dorsum with a light venter.
It often squeaks when handled; it has a very fragile tail which is readily lost. This gecko is between 2.5 and 6.2 cm long.
The common name and its specific epithet commemorate John Xantus[2], a naturalist active in the United states of America. It is also referred to, ambiguously, as a Leaf-toed gecko. The accepted name and description were published in 1863 by E. D. Cope.[3]