Phyllodactylus angustidigitus

Description

Phyllodactylus angustidigitus, the Paracas gecko, is a medium-sized gecko with a maximum snout-vent length of 57 mm. This species is endemic from the Ica Region in southern Peru, and its known geographical distribution is restricted to the Paracas National Reservation, including two islands (La Vieja in the Bahia Independencia and Sangayan west of the Paracas Peninsula). This gecko most closely resembles Phyllodactylus gerrhopygus (a species that also occurs in southern Peru), from which it can be distinguished by smaller and more numerous terminal lamellae on the fourth toe. Phyllodactylus angustidigitus inhabits sand dunes, rocky outcrops, and small hills throughout the desert in Paracas, though it is usually more abundant near shore. These geckos abound along shelly and gravel beaches, and seem to avoid sandy beaches. This gecko feeds on small invertebrates, including insects, crustaceans and spiders. Females appear to lay only one egg.