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
Sphaerodactylus millepunctatus
Spotted Least Gecko
Hallowell, 1861
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A very small, delicate gecko with a granular skin texture and a pattern of small, scattered dark spots across a brownish body.
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.
Gequito milpuntosSpotted least gecko
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.Hallowell, 1861
Record Completeness
94%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 leaf litter in tropical rainforests, disturbed forest edges, and often found around human settlements in moist areas.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Diurnal. Primarily active during the day, foraging for tiny arthropods among the debris of the forest floor.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Solitary and territorial; males defend small areas against rivals through posturing and squeaking.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Diurnal insectivore.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Diet includes springtails, mites, and small spiders. Prey for larger spiders, other lizards, and small snakes.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Oviparous. Females typically lay a single, hard-shelled egg at a time in protected locations.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
2.5 - 3.5 cm
Weight (Grams)
0.5 g - 1.5 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.
6 - 9 Months
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
45 - 60
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males2 - 4 Years
Females2 - 4 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Males often exhibit more distinct patterns, such as a brighter tail or more prominent spotting.
Females Multi-lang
Females are generally larger in total length and have more subdued coloration.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Possesses specialized toe pads with microscopic setae, enabling it to climb on smooth surfaces.
Extremely small size allows it to navigate through micro-habitats like cracks in bark or dense leaf litter unreachable by larger predators.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Highly sensitive to microclimate changes and deforestation, which reduce the availability of stable leaf litter.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
These geckos are known for their ability to produce vocalizations, rare for such small reptiles, used during territorial defense.