Lepidodactylus lugubris (Duméril & Bibron, 1836)

Size Measurements

Lepidodactylus lugubris (Duméril & Bibron, 1836) measures 8.5–10 cm in total length including the tail, with a snout-to-vent length of 4–4.4 cm.

Baseline Coloration

This species has cryptic coloration, and is typically light to dark tan with dark spots running the full length of its back, plus a brown stripe extending from the ear to the tip of the nose.

Color Change Capability

It is capable of changing color, so the same individual can appear light or dark at different times of day.

Native Distribution Range

This species is widespread across coastal regions of the Indian and Pacific oceans, including the Maldives, Sri Lanka, India, Myanmar, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Japan, Taiwan, China, Indonesia, Singapore, Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Australia (Cocos Island), Western Samoa, Guam, the Society Islands, Pitcairn, and the Mascarene Islands.

Neotropical Introductions

It has been widely introduced to the Neotropics, including Mexico, Brazil, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Florida, The Bahamas, Guadeloupe, Ecuador (including the Galapagos), Colombia and Chile.

Additional Introduced Ranges

It has also been introduced to Hawai'i and the Seychelles in the Indian Ocean.

Activity Pattern

L. lugubris is primarily nocturnal, but can occasionally be found exposed near cover during the day.

Parthenogenetic Reproduction

This species consists almost entirely of females that reproduce via parthenogenesis.

Male Occurrence

While males do occur occasionally, they are very rare and often sterile.

Egg Laying Traits

Females lay 1–2 eggs per clutch, and glue the eggs to surfaces in protected locations.

Clutch Frequency

New clutches are laid every 4–6 weeks.

Reproductive Mechanism

Its obligate parthenogenetic reproductive mechanism relies on premeiotic endoreplication of chromosomes.