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.ApprovedCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Sphaerodactylus graptolaemus
Costa Rican Least Gecko
Harris & Kluge, 1984
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
One of the smallest lizards in the world. It has a tiny body with very fine granular scales and a brownish coloration with dark patterns in the nape region. Its eyes are relatively large in proportion to its head.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
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Under Review
Other Names (Global)Regional and multilingual names used for this species across different countries and languages.
Costa Rican Least GeckoGequitoGeco de Costa Rica
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.Sphaerodactylus
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Harris & Kluge, 1984
Record Completeness
61%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 the floor of humid tropical forests, living strictly among dense leaf litter where it hides from predators and maintains necessary moisture.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Active mainly during the day, moving with quick bursts among dry leaves.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Solitary; actively avoid direct contact with conspecifics outside of reproduction.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Tactile and olfactory foraging; uses its tongue to explore the substrate constantly.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Micro-insectivore; consumes mites, springtails, and eggs of other invertebrates.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Oviparous; lay extremely small, often single eggs under plant debris.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
2.0 - 3.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
0.5 g - 2 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 - 1 Years
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
30 - 40
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males0 Years
Females0 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Males have more defined coloration patterns on the head.
Females Multi-lang
Females slightly larger and with less contrasting patterns.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Tiny size: Allows it to exploit microhabitats inaccessible to other predators within the leaf litter.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Removal of leaf litter and alteration of surface moisture are critical threats due to its extreme sensitivity to desiccation.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Despite their size, they are capable of emitting soft sounds to communicate, an unusual trait in such small lizards.