Diagnostic Features:
The dorsum is grey with black spots, separated by patches of slightly squared, off-white coloration. The head and snout have irregular, reddish-brown markings. Postocular regions exhibit broad, dark brown stripes bordered by white on the lower edge, extending to the sides of the neck. Limbs are marked with irregular stripes. The tail displays alternating black and off-yellow bands, with the terminal 25% being snow-white. The ventral surface of the neck, body, and limbs is beige.
The smallest species of Cnemaspis sp. discovered in Vietnam
Adults have a maximum SVL (snout-vent length) of approximately 47.2 mm. There are 8 or 9 supralabial scales and 7 or 8 infralabial scales. Ventral scales are smooth. There are 0-2 precloacal scales, which are round and non-contiguous, bearing precloacal pores. 20-24 dorsal tubercles are present along the vertebral column in the midbody region, between the fore and hind limbs. There are no tubercles present on the flanks. Numerous tubercles are present on the tail along the vertebral column, but they do not encircle the tail. Subcaudal scales are smooth, not greatly enlarged, and sometimes arranged in rows. 1 or 2 postcloacal tubercles are located on each side at the base of the tail. Femoral scales and sub-tibial scales are not enlarged. Sub-tibial scales are poorly keratinized. The subdigital scales of the first toe of the forefoot are slightly enlarged. There are 23-30 subdigital lamellae beneath the fourth toe of the hindfoot.
Biology and Ecology:
This species inhabits rock crevices within forested areas on islands at elevations ranging from 10-100 meters. It is diurnal, feeding on insects found within its habitat. It lays two eggs in rock crevices and tree hollows at the beginning of the rainy season each year.
Distribution:
This species is endemic to Vietnam. It was first discovered in 2007 in a rocky mountain area of Hòn Tre Island, Kiên Giang Province.