Diagnostic Characteristics:
- Adults have a maximum SVL (snout-vent length) of approximately 69 mm.
- 8 – 10 supralabials (upper labial scales), 6 or 7 infralabials (lower labial scales).
- Ventral scales are smooth. Femoral and sub-tibial scales are large and plate-like.
- 32 – 38 dorsal tubercles (small, wart-like bumps) along the vertebral column (backbone) between the forelimbs and hindlimbs.
- Tubercles on the flanks (sides) are arranged in rows.
- A row of tubercles is present on the tail, running along the vertebral column.
- One post-cloacal tubercle (bump behind the cloaca, the common opening for digestive and reproductive systems) on each side at the base of the tail.
- Subdigital scales (scales under the toes) of the first foretoe are widened.
- 25 – 32 subdigital lamellae (skin folds) under the fourth hind toe.
Coloration:
- Dorsal (back) coloration ranges from brown to pale yellow.
- Large black spots and thin, reticulated (net-like) yellow streaks are present on the nape (back of the neck), sides of the neck, and shoulders.
- A band of elongated, lighter-colored spots runs along the spine from the neck to the tail.
- The ventral (belly) surface is beige and without spots.
Biology and Ecology:
- The species inhabits rock outcrops or small crevices in well-preserved evergreen forests at elevations from 10 – 300 m.
- Nocturnal (active at night), feeding on insects found within its distribution area.
- Lays two eggs in rock crevices or tree hollows at the beginning of the rainy season each year.
Distribution:
- Endemic to Vietnam, found on Con Son Island and Hon Bay Canh Island of the Con Dao Archipelago, Ba Ria – Vung Tau province.