Contributions to the bionomics, anatomy, reproduction and development of the Indian house-gecko, Hemidactylus flaviviridis Rüppel. Part I

Abstract

The present paper is the introductory part of a series of studies made on the habits, anatomy and life-history of the Indian house-gecko, Hemidactylus flaviviridis Rüppel. The more important points dealt with herein are as follows: (1) The systematic position of this lizard is reviewed, and the generally recognised definition of the Squamata criticised in the light of the more recent anatomical work. (2) The history of the institution of the genus Hemidactylus and the species H. flaviviridis is concisely dealt with. (3) A résumé of our knowledge of fossil lacertilians and Gekkonids is given. (4) A suitable cage devised for the keeping and rearing of geckoes has been described, and the method of incubating the eggs also dealt with. (5) An account of its general habits, food and feeding, sloughing, fidelity to particular sites in the house, caudal autotomy, regeneration, hibernation, age, etc., is given. (6) The breeding season is observed to commence generally in March and to continue for several months. (7) External differences between the two sexes are noted. It is found that two swellings on the ventral aspect of the tail make their appearance in the male during the breeding season. (8) The method of courtship and copulation has been described. (9) Observations are made on the size and nature of eggs, their fertilisation, intra-uterine development, incubation, hatching and many other related questions.