Scorpion Leaf-toed Gecko

This is a moderately-sized species, with mature individuals having a snout–vent length of 47 to 71 mm (1.9 to 2.8 in), while the tail measures approximately 50 mm (2.0 in). The head is wider than the neck, comparable to the torso in width, with a short and steep snout. The canthal ridges are prominent, with a slight depression in between, and the ear opening is a vertical slit. The rectangular rostral scale is wider than it is tall, and makes no contact with the nostrils. Enlarged tuberculate scales are arranged in longitudinal rows on the dorsal surface, with smaller tubercles and flat scales separating them. The ventral scales are flat, with those on the limbs slightly larger than on the belly. Each digit ends with a widened toe pad and a downward-curving claw. The upper side is primarily tannish brown, with a distinct white stripe running down the spine interrupted by dark crosslines. White crossbands with dark borders are present on the torso, while the tail has alternating black and white bands. An additional white crossband is located on the back of the head, and a short white stripe extends from each eye to the lip. The upper surfaces of the limbs are dark brown with white tubercles. …

This gecko is one of many species endemic to the island of Madagascar, and is recorded from several areas in the extreme southwest of the country. This species is found on rock outcrops in dry forests with xeric vegetation, dominated by baobabs and similar trees. Initially it was known only from Itampolo and the type locality of Tsimanampetsotsa, but was already theorized to occur across most of the Mahafaly Plateau. Later, it was also recorded from Vohombe and Efoetsy. It is a lowland species, with all these localities between 20 and 160 meters (66 and 525 ft) in elevation, and it has a known extent of occurrence of 7,564 km2 (2,920 sq mi). Because this species is readily observable and prone to habitat degradation, it may serve as an indicator of suitable locations for reptile conservation.