Sphaerodactylus argus


Sphaerodactylus argus, also known commonly as the ocellated gecko, the ocellated sphaero, and the stippled sphaero, is a species of lizard in the family Sphaerodactylidae native to the Caribbean and surrounding regions. There are two recognized subspecies.

Etymology

The specific name, argus, refers to Argus, the many-eyed giant in Greek mythology, an allusion to the ocelli of this species.

Geographic range

S. argus is found in Jamaica, Cuba and on adjacent islets, The Bahamas, San Andres and Providencia in Colombia and in the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico. S. argus can also be found in the Florida Keys, where it has well-established populations, though introduced.

Habitat

The preferred natural habitat of S. argus is forest, at altitudes from sea level to. A climbing species, it can also be seen on walls and in buildings.

Diet

S. argus feeds on insects and other small invertebrates.

Reproduction

S. argus is oviparous.

Subspecies

Two subspecies are recognized as being valid, including the nominate subspecies.