Costa Rica Species
Gonatodes albogularis
AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting

Gonatodes albogularis

Yellow-headed Gecko

(Duméril & Bibron, 1836)

Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A tiny, slender gecko with a very particular appearance. Males possess a bright yellow or cream-colored head and a dark throat, which contrasts strongly with the rest of their grayish or bluish body. Females and juveniles have a more cryptic coloration, with brown tones and spotted patterns that blend them with tree bark. They possess round pupils, a distinctive trait of their diurnal activity.

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Anonymous Curator

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Last modified by

Julia Trouin

TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.

PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Reptilia
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Squamata
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Sphaerodactylidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Gonatodes
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Duméril & Bibron, 1836)
Record Completeness
96%
Coming soon

Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.

OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.

Native

Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.

Stable

Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.

Year Round

Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.

Insectivore

Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.

Yes

Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang

Inhabits mainly forested environments, from humid tropical rainforests to dry forests. It is an expert climber that prefers tree trunks, rocks, and, frequently, walls of human buildings in rural and suburban areas. It requires areas with filtered shade and adequate humidity for diurnal foraging.

BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang

Strictly diurnal reptile. It is frequently observed on trunks, where it alternates rest periods in the sun with brief runs to capture prey. They are very territorial animals; the male spends much of his time performing head bobbing and displaying his yellow throat to other males, defending his tree or rock from any intruder.

Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang

Territorial animals par excellence. They live in harems or hierarchical groups where a single dominant male controls a territory that includes several females. Outside of reproductive interactions, they are quite solitary and maintain constant vigilance over their territory.

Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang

Specialized insectivore. It feeds exclusively on small diurnal arthropods, such as flies, ants, small beetles, and spiders. Its hunting technique is active: it patrols the territory and pounces on the prey upon detecting it with its excellent vision.

Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang

Acts as an important regulator of small insects in the lower canopy and open areas. It is consumed by small birds, other larger lizards, and snakes, acting as a dynamic link that connects insect fauna with higher-level predators in the arboreal stratum.

Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang

Oviparous species. The female usually lays a single hard-shelled egg in bark cracks or rock crevices, which remains glued to the substrate. Incubation depends on ambient temperature. The hatchlings are miniature copies of the adults and are independent from the moment of hatching.

Physical Measures

Length (cm)

6.0 - 9.0 cm

Weight (Grams)

1 g - 4 g

Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.1 - 1
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).Yes

Lifespan

Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.

0.5 - 0.8 Years

Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).

30 - 45

Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males4 - 6 Years
Females4 - 6 Years

Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.

Males Multi-lang

Very marked. Males are unmistakable due to their bright yellow head and their body which can present bluish tones. They are more robust in the tail base region.

Females Multi-lang

Females lack the bright head coloration, presenting a more cryptic and less contrasted pattern. They have a generally more slender and uniform body structure.

Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang

Diurnal Activity: Unlike most geckos, its eyes have evolved to see in broad daylight, with round pupils that optimize its hunting capacity while the sun warms the forest.

Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang

Loss of forested habitat: Deforestation reduces mature tree trunks, which are essential for its thermoregulation and as a specialized hunting substrate.

Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang

It is an excellent indicator of the health of tropical gardens and forests. Its presence suggests an ecosystem with sufficient vegetation cover and a stable invertebrate web, being a charismatic inhabitant that lives closely with humans without causing disturbances.