Genus introduction
Gonatodes is a day gecko genus (the only one exception is nocturnal species Gonatodes antillensis) which ranges Central America, Caribbean Islands and northern part of South America. Currently, this genus includes already thirty two species whereas most of species affect Venezuela. It is likely that some other Gonatodes species will be expertly diagnosed in the near future. Fourteen or fifteen different Gonatodes species are bred in Europe and in USA today.
Adult Gonatodes males grow up to total length of 65 - 120 mm, females are a little bit smaller. The genus is sexually dichromatic. The Gonatodes males are, unlike the females, markedly colored. However, there exist also three exceptions here - Gonatodes daudini, Gonatodes chucuri and Gonatodes lichenosus. Juveniles have protective coloration of the females, the young male coloration change starts on throat at their age of 4 - 6 months.
These geckos have not adhesive lamellae on lower side of their toes. Hence they are not capable to move on quite smooth surfaces (glass, plastic).
Gonatodes live mainly on lower parts of trunks, on stubs and fallen trees, the males as well as the females are territorial. They do not love direct sun, they are quite shy. They are insectivorous, offered sweet nectars are ignored. The females lay single egg after mating and they do not stick it to base material. Total length of hatchlings is 25 - 30 mm.