Teratoscincus scincus, commonly referred to as the common wonder gecko or the frog-eyed gecko, is a speciesoflizard in the familySphaerodactylidae.[1] The species is native to arid parts of Asia and has special adaptations which suit it to desert life.
Teratoscincus scincus is a large gecko growing to a total length (including tail) of about 16 cm (6.3 in). It has a broad head, large eyes, long robust limbs and a short tail. It lacks the expanded toe-pads used by many geckos for climbing, instead having digits fringed with comb-like scales which are adapted for loose sandy conditions.[2] The scales on the head are particularly small, while those on the body, and especially the tail, are large. Adults are buff or yellowish-brown with black broken stripes or irregular dark spotting. The flanks and belly are white. Newly hatched juveniles are more vividly coloured, being bright yellow with dark crossbands.[2]
T. scincusisnocturnal and digs itself a deep burrow in which it is able to keep cool and hydrated during the day. It has a varied diet which includes insects and other lizards.[5] When attacked on the surface, it can utter a yelping vocalisation or a defensive hiss, as well as lashing its tail which results in the large scales on the tail rubbing together. If provoked, it adopts a threatening pose, standing on tiptoe, arching its back, expanding its throat, opening wide its mouth and lashing its tail. Further provocation may result in it squeaking as it rushes forward to bite its assailant. It can also autotomise (shed) its tail as a defensive strategy.[2]
Boulenger GA (1885). Catalogue of the Lizards in the British Museum (Natural History). Second Edition. Volume I. Geckonidæ ... London: Trustees of the British Museum (Natural History). (Taylor and Francis, printers). xii + 436 pp. + Plates I-XXXII. (Teratoscincus scincus, new combination, pp. 12–13 + Plate II, figure 3).
Schlegel H (1858). "Handleiding Tot de Beoefening der Dierkunde". Natuurkundige Leercursus ten Gebruike der Koninklijke Militaire Akademie2: xx + 1–628. (Stenodactylus scincus, new species, p. 16). (in Dutch).
