Cnemaspis kolhapurensis, Giri, Varad B., Bauer, Aaron M. & Gaikwad, Kshamata S., 2009

Giri, Varad B., Bauer, Aaron M. & Gaikwad, Kshamata S., 2009, A new ground-dwelling species of Cnemaspis Strauch (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from the northern Western Ghats, Maharashtra, India, Zootaxa 2164, pp. 49-60 : 50-58

Cnemaspis kolhapurensis sp. nov.

Figures 1–4 , Plate 1.

Holotype. Bombay Natural History Society, Mumbai ( BNHS) 1855, adult male; under a rock near Dajipur, Kolhapur District, Maharashtra, India (16°22’17” N, 73°51’52” E; 647 m a.s.l.); collected on 6 June 2008 by Ravindra Bhambure and Harish Kulkarni.

Paratypes. BNHS 1843, 1844, 1845, 1846 and 1847; same locality as holotype under stones and leaf litter collected on 27 September, 2005 by Varad Giri, Harish Kulkarni, Raman Kulkarni, Dhananjay Jadhav, Swapnil Pawar, Ravindra Bhambure and Faruk Mehtar; BNHS 1854 and 1856; same data as holotype.

Diagnosis. A moderately sized Cnemaspis , snout-vent length to at least 40 mm. Dorsal scales on midbody homogenous, small and feebly keeled; no spine-like tubercles on flank. Ventrals smooth, imbricate, 20–23 scale rows across venter between lowest rows of dorsal scales. Supralabial I narrowly contacting nasal. Paired postmentals separated by one or two enlarged gular scales. A continuous series of 24–28 precloacalfemoral pores. Subdigital scansors entire, unnotched, those on the basal part are larger than on distal portion, which are narrow; an enlarged scansor present near proximal interphalangeal joint; narrow distal lamellae under digit IV of pes 10–12. Original tail cylindrical, covered above with large (larger than those on dorsum), flat, smooth, slightly imbricate scales, ventrally with three rows of smooth, imbricate, enlarged plates, of which the median row is slightly larger than the others. Yellowish- and purplish-brown dorsal color pattern with flank and vertebral markings variably developed. Original tail with a dorsal, or dorsal and lateral stripes, distinctly iridescent in oblique light. Juveniles with a broad pale dorsal stripe, fading during ontogeny.

Cnemaspis kolhapurensis may be distinguished from all other peninsular Indian congeners on the basis of (sympatric taxa with differing or non-overlapping character stats indicated parenthetically): spine-like tubercles absent on flanks (spine-like tubercles present on flanks in C. jerdonii , C. littoralis , C. heteropholis , C. gracilis , C. monticola , C. nilagirica , C. goaensis , C. mysoriensis , C. indraneildasii ), dorsal scales on midbody homogeneous (dorsal scales on mid-body heterogeneous in C. gracilis , C. ornata , C. beddomei , C. goaensis , C. heteropholis , C. monticola and C. australis ), a continuous series of 26–28 precloacal-femoral pores (no precloacal or femoral pores in either sex in C. boiei ; 4 precloacal and 3 femoral pores on each thigh in C. yercaudensis , no precloacal pores in C. indica , C. sisparensis , C. wynadensis ; no femoral pores in C. ornata , C. beddomei , C. nairi ); enlarged tubercles absent on the tail (present in C. otai ). For comparisons with Sri Lankan Cnemaspis , as well C. assamensis Das & Sengupta from Assam and C. wicksii (Stoliczka) and C. andersonii (Annandale) from the Andaman Islands, see Manamendra-Arachchi et al. (2007).

Description of Holotype. Adult male, SVL 40.9 mm ( Fig. 1 ). Head moderately short (HeadL/SVL = 0.26), slightly wide (HeadW/HeadL = 0.59), somewhat depressed (HeadD/HeadL = 0.38), very distinct from moderately elongate neck. Loreal region not inflated, canthus rostralis not prominent. Snout relatively short (SnEye/HeadL = 0.41); much longer than eye diameter (OrbD/SnEye = 0.41); scales on snout, canthus rostralis and forehead region granular to slightly conical; interorbital and occipital region with much smaller, conical and granular scales (Plate 1a). Eye relatively small (OrbD/HeadL = 0.17); pupil round; supraciliary scales conical, much enlarged over anterodorsal portion of orbit where they form a distinct overhanging lobe (Plate 1b, e). Ear opening semicircular, slightly obliquely oriented, very small (EarL/HeadL = 0.02); eye to ear distance much greater than diameter of eyes (EyeEar/OrbD = 2.05). Rostral wider (1.8 mm) than deep (1.0 mm), swollen, incompletely divided dorsally by strongly developed rostral groove; two enlarged swollen supranasals, approximately twice the size of postnasals, which are also swollen; supranasals separated from one another by a single, slightly rounded internasal; rostral in contact with supralabial I, supranasals and internasal; nostrils oval, each surrounded by postnasal, supranasal, rostral, supralabial I, and nasal; two rows of scales separate the orbit from the supralabials. Mental triangular, slightly wider (2.2 mm) than long (2.0 mm); one pair of enlarged postmentals, each surrrounded laterally by first infralabial and anteromedially by mental; a single enlarged gular scale prevents the posterior contact of left and right postmentals (Plate 1c). Infralabials bordered by a row of slightly enlarged scales, decreasing in size posteriorly. Enlarged supralabials to angle of jaw 6 (right) – 6 (left), at midorbital position 5 (right) – 5 (left); infralabials 6 (left) – 6 (right); interorbital scale rows across narrowest point of frontal bone 10–11; 14 scale rows between left and right supraciliaries at midorbit.

PLATE 1. Holotype of Cnemaspis kolhapurensis sp. nov. (BNHS 1855). a) Dorsal view of head. b) Lateral view of head. c) Ventral view of head. d) Dorsal pholidosis at midbody, anterior towards top. Note homogeneous scalation. e) Dorsal view of orbital region showing enlarged supraciliary scales on lobe over anterior portion of orbit. f) Pericloacal region showing continuous series of precloacal-femoral pores. g) Ventral view of right manus. h) Ventral view of right pes. i) Ventral view of tail showing enlarged median subcaudal scale row and bold patterning or original portion of tail.

Body relatively slender, short (TrunkL/SVL = 0.47) without ventrolateral folds or spine-like tubercles on flanks. Dorsal scales homogeneous, granular, conical, weakly keeled (Plate 1d); scales of paravertebral rows slightly smaller (approximately half the size) of those on flanks, which are also more flattened; scales arranged in 50–52 longitudinal rows at midbody. Scales on nape slightly smaller than those in paravertrebral rows, smaller still on occiput. Ventral scales much larger than dorsals, those on belly weakly subimbricate, roughly hexagonal, with straight free margins, approximately subequal from chest to vent; midbody scale rows across belly to ventrolateral margin 19–20; scales on pectoral region more elongated and subimbricate; throat scales smaller and subconical; gular region with slightly smaller subconical granules, those on chin bordering postmentals enlarged, juxtaposed and flattened.

A continuous series of 26 precloacal-femoral pores (Plate 1f). Scales on palm and sole smooth, slightly conical. Fore and hind limbs relatively long, slender (ForeaL/SVL = 0.12; CrusL/SVL = 0.13); digits long, strongly clawed, unwebbed, strongly kinked, distal portions inconspicuously laterally compressed. No adhesive scansors beneath digits; series of unpaired lamellae on basal portion of digits separated from narrower distal lamellae by a single larger scale beneath the penultimate interphalangeal joint; distal lamellae 8–9–10–10–9 (left manus), 8–9–11–11–9 (right manus; Plate 1g), 8–10–12–12–12 (left pes), 8–9–11–12–12 (right pes; Plate 1h)). Relative length of digits (measurements in mm in parentheses): IV (3.70)> V (3.60)> III (3.40)> II (3.10)> I (2.50) (right manus); IV (3.80)> III (3.70)> V (3.60)> II (3.10)> I (2.60) (right pes). Tail cylindrical, relatively slender, slightly longer than body (TailL/SVL = 1.04); tail covered above with more or less uniform scales; those at base granular, keeled and same size as those on dorsum, followed by enlarged, smooth, sub-imbricate scales arranged in regular transverse series, distally scales become more elongate, irregular and imbricate. Subcaudals larger, smooth, imbricate; those at the base are comparatively smaller and imbricate; post-pygal subcaudals much enlarged, in three longitudinal rows, those of median row slightly larger and hexagonal (Plate 1i). A single enlarged cloacal spur on either side of the tail base.

Coloration (based on holotype in preservative). Body dorsum brown with traces of irregular grayishbrown markings ( Fig. 1 ). A paler brown oval marking with darker brown margins over dorsum between shoulders. Posterior portion of mandible and lateral surface of neck with indistinct whitish spots. Head midbrown with tiny, evenly-distributed darker speckles; labial scales more-or-less uniform mid-brown. Limbs mottled brown, not distinctly patterned. Original portion of tail medium brown with a dark brown dorsal stripe, flanked by series of whitish markings; regenerated distal portion of tail without distinct pattern. Venter brownish anteriorly with a paler pectoral blotch, becoming grayish over abdomen; all ventral body scales densely speckled with brown pigment; faint irregular whitish reticulations on abdomen. Gular region light brown with a pair of dark brown longitudinal stripes and covered with small whitish spots, coalescing on the throat to form an opalescent reticulation. Ventral aspect of limbs somewhat darker than pectoral region. Tail venter a mottled dark brown; original portion of tail with irregular, bright white markings; distal portion of tail somewhat lighter brown without distinct white markings. Appearance of all dorsal surfaces strongly influenced by nature of incident light, suggesting that elements of structural as well as pigment-based color are present.

Color in Life. Holotype mottled yellowish and purplish-brown dorsally, becoming mostly dull yellowishbrown on flanks, brighter on side of neck and lower flanks ( Fig. 2 ). A series of irregular purplish-brown dashes and blotches on the lateral surfaces, the larger of these with pinkish-brown centers. A more-or-less regularly spaced series of irregular, dull grayish-mustard markings from shoulder to sacrum. Limb insertions pinkish-brown, limbs with irregular, alternating, yellowish- and purplish-brown mottling. Darker markings on lateral and ventral surfaces of head purplish brown. Loreal region and supraciliary lobe yellowish-brown; iris with dull orange rim. Original tail with a thin dorsal, dark-brown to blackish stripe and a similar, but dark brown, lateral stripe, each with a broken, narrow, irregular, bright white border; intervening areas with irregular mid-brown and dull yellowish-brown markings. Regenerated portion of tail mottled brown with scattered whitish scales. Cloacal spurs a pale yellow. When viewed in oblique light, the tail dorsum exhibits an iridescent sheen. Iridescence is known from a variety of burrowing or subfossorial squamates, especially snakes and skinks ( Gans & Biac 1977; Günther & Manthey 1995), but has not been previously reported in geckos.

Variation. Mensural data for the type series is given in Table 1 . Adult specimens range in size from 31 to 41 mm. All paratypes resemble the holotype except as follows: the number of lamellae on digit I of the manus is 7 and on digit IV it is 8–11, on digit I of the pes it is 7–8 and on digit IV 10–12. Male specimen BNHS 1854 has a continuous series of 24 precloacal and femoral pores. BNHS 1847, a male, is the smallest specimen (SVL 25.3 mm), with a continuous series of 28 precloacal and femoral pores. In BNHS 1844 the right and left postmentals are separated by two enlarged gular scales. Some paratypes much duller in overall appearance. Dorsum cinnamon to purplish-brown. Dark dorsolateral markings forming an almost continuous stripe from nape to tail, vertebral region forming a paler broad field between dorsolateral stripes, with a series of dark, purplish-brown middorsal spots from occiput to sacrum, confluent with dorsal tail stripe ( Fig. 3 ). No bright white markings on any portion of body. Dull yellowish-brown coloration limited to lateral surface of neck and distal bands on shanks, feet, and hands as well as loreals and supraciliaries, brightest on ventrolateral margins on neck and onto throat, where small clusters of yellowish scales form spots on a purplish background. As in the holotype the tail, when viewed in certain lighting is a brilliant iridescent blue. Juvenile color pattern boldly contrasting ( Fig. 4 ). Dorsum cream to beige, becoming darker on nape and onto head as suffusion of brown pigmentation increases, crown and nasal region light purplish-brown. Broad pale vertebral stripe bordered laterally by a narrower dark chocolate stripe which anteriorly is confluent with the weakly mottled dark lateral and ventrolateral surface of the head, and posteriorly with a thin, poorly defined dark stripe on the tail. Faint dark markings on the cream dorsal stripe becoming darker posteriorly and continuing onto the tail as a distinct thin dorsal stripe. Tail straw to yellowish basally, becoming orangey-pink near tip. Labial scales and toes with purplish-white markings. In other juveniles the contrast between dorsum and tail is less pronounced, with a more yellowish brown dorsum and a brighter tail. In a third juvenile the dark brown tail stripes are not well developed and there is a small dark brown spot at the posterior edge of the parietal table.

Holotype Paratypes

Etymology. Named for the Kolhapur District, Maharashtra, India from which the type series was collected.

Distribution. At present this species is only known from the type locality, which is in the south-central part of the northern Western Ghats ( Fig. 5 ). The forest here is mostly of semi-evergreen type and is a largely contiguous to the south with little fragmentation, although portions are notably degraded ( Rodgers & Panwar 1988). Based on the extent of this forest patch, which extends to the Belgaum district, Karnataka and the South Goa district of Goa state, it is possible that actual range of C. kolhapurensis may stretch from the forests of Goa to somewhat north of the type locality in the Kolhapur district. The type locality is close to the Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary.

Natural History. All the specimens were found inactive, sheltering under rocks near an old temple in a semi-evergreen patch of forest ( Fig. 6 ; holotype and some paratypes) or in leaf litter ( Fig. 7 ) at the same locality (remaining paratypes) during active diurnal searches by the collectors. Interestingly, these geckos are mostly seen during the monsoon and were uncommon during non-monsoon seasons. We conducted an intensive search in the same area during February and March, 2007 but could not locate a single specimen of this species.

Our observations confirm that this is a ground dwelling species that actively escapes into leaf litter, rock crevices or under rocks when disturbed. Like many ground dwelling geckos, C. kolhapurensis sp nov. adopts an alert posture when at rest or during pauses while moving, with its head, neck and fore-body raised above the ground. It is capable of turning the head through a wide arc on its elongate and flexible neck. This species was never seen climbing on walls or trees. Sometimes, while walking, they flick their tongue on or towards the ground. A similar behavior has been observed in Eublepharis fuscus Börner and other gekkotans in association with reproduction and the investigation of novel surroundings ( Mason & Gutzke 1990; Brillet 1990; V. Giri, pers. obs.), but not in conjunction with predator or prey detection, which in geckos appears to be accomplished using olfaction rather than vomerolfaction ( Schwenk 1993). The types were found sympatrically with Cnemaspis cf. indraneildasii , Geckoella deccanensis (Günther) , and Hemidactylus cf. brookii Gray.

Figures

FIGURE 1. Dorsal view of holotype of Cnemaspis kolhapurensis sp. nov. (BNHS 1855).

FIGURE 2. Holotype of Cnemaspis kolhapurensis sp. nov. in life. Note the subtle flank patterning and the iridescent sheen on the tail.

FIGURE 3. Paratype of Cnemaspis kolhapurensis sp. nov. (BNHS 1843) in life showing a duller coloration than the holotype, but retaining tail iridescence.

FIGURE 4. Juvenile of Cnemaspis kolhapurensis sp. nov. (not collected) showing the strongly contrasting broad pale dorsal stripe and dark lateral stripes, as well as brightly colored tail.

FIGURE 5. Map (bottom) showing the type locality, near Dajipur (star), of Cnemaspis kolhapurensis sp. nov. Upper left map shows position of Maharashtra (shaded) within India; upper right map shows position of Kolhapur and Sindhudurg districts (shaded) within Maharashtra.

FIGURE 6. View of semi-evergreen forest in northern Western Ghats near type locality of Cnemaspis kolhapurensis sp. nov., Dajipur, Kolhapur district, Mahrashtra, India.

FIGURE 7. Open patch in forest near Dajipur, Kolhapur district, Mahrashtra, India. Holotype and Paratypes of Cnemaspis kolhapurensis sp. nov. were collected in leaf litter.

Tables

TABLE 1. Mensural and meristic features of the type series of Cnemaspis kolhapurensis sp. nov. Abbreviations as noted in Materials and Methods. * = tail regenerated. Lamellar counts of “ 0 ” indicate damaged digits upon which no counts were made.

BNHS 1855 No.	1843	1844	1845	1846	1854	1856	1847
Sex male	female	female	male	female	male	female	male
SVL 40.9	36.5	35.45	30.3	33.2	39.6	33.8	25.3
TrunkL 19.6	16.2	15.33	11.9	13.1	18.7	14	10.9
TrunkW 7.6	6	6.5	5.5	5.6	7.5	5.8	4.1
CrusL 5.6	5.75	5.5	4.9	5	5.7	5.2	4.4
TailL 42.5	37.5	22.5*	39.5	18.2*	44.7	32.5	Broken
TailW 2.7	2.7	2.5	2.5	2.8	2.8	2	—
HeadL 11	10.47	10	9.3	9.6	10.7	9.1	8.3
HeadW 6.5	6.2	6.3	5.6	5.9	6.6	5.5	4.6
HeadD 4.2	4.1	4	3.5	3.5	4.1	3.5	3
ForeaL 5	5	4.6	4	4.5	4.8	4.8	3.5
OrbD 1.9	1.9	1.7	1.5	1.6	2	1.8	1.3
NarEye 3.6	3.5	3.2	2.7	3.1	3.5	3.1	2.2
SnEye 4.6	4.5	4.4	3.8	4	4.5	4	3.1
EyeEar 3.9	3.5	3.6	3	3.5	3.5	3	2.2
IntNar 1.1	1.1	1.1	1	1.1	1.1	1	1
IntOrb 2.9	2.9	2.7	2.4	2.6	2.7	2.2	2
PcFPores 26	0	0	26	0	24	0	28
SupraL 6/6	6/6	6/6	6/6	6/6	6/6	6/6	6/6
InfraL 6/6	6/6	6/7	6/7	7/6	7/7	6/6	7/7