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Geckoella dekkanensis
Due to the lack of any kind of eyelids, the Deccan Ground Gecko keeps cleaning the eye from time to time with its tongue (as seen in pic no: 2). Pic no 3 shows a grasshopper playing with the Gecko. A White-banded, ground-dwelling gecko from the low country of the Northern Western Ghats. Body stout, cylindrical, covered with small, granular scales; head moderately large; scales on belly over-lapping; tail short, weakly swollen at the base, and tapering. Belly unpatterned and cream in colour. Inhabits dry, flat scrub and thinly forested areas. Nothing is known of its diet or reproductive habits.
Restricted to Maharashtra State.
Details taken from the book: A Photographic Guide to Snakes and other Reptiles of India by Indraneil Das.
Spotted on Aug 30, 2013
Submitted on Sep 3, 2013
20 Comments
Thank you Mona :)
Beautiful series.. I love this.. :)
It is mostly seen at nights.
Must be a shy creature. Never saw it ,considering the fact it is found all over Maharashtra. Solapur,Nagpur,Poona.....
:-) It may be possible that even this species has similar behavior. But, I don't think much has been documented about this species. I will research.
Of course the grasshopper was not captive. in the wild Whales have been known to play "Ball" with seals ,only to come later on and eat it.
They prey in this case was not captive. The Gecko let the grasshopper get away :-)
i have read that some animals play with their prey when they are not eating it. They eat it at their convenience.
Thank you Jemma! The Grasshopper touched the eye and the Gecko jerked it off. Even I was shocked as to why it was not gulped down.
the third picture of it playing with the grass hopper is too cute!! doesn't the gecko eat it?
Thanks Jemma :-)
awesome series , Satyen!
Thanks Sachin. I am glad you liked this series :-)
A class apart series Satyen,
Just for information: the first shot has been taken using the light from a torch.
Thank you Daniele, Lauren and Neil for your kind comments.
Excellent photos, Satyen. Good info too.
Really beautiful photos, I agree with Daniele, the first picture is magical! Amazing how you caught the tongue in action cleaning the eye.
The first shot is magical: beautiful light..
There he is! Awesome series Satyen.