Squamation:
Identifying Characteristics:
- Medium size. SVL (Snout-Vent Length): 76.8 – 89.2 mm.
- Slender body.
- Long and slender legs and digits.
- Relatively long tail (TL/SVL = 1.28).
- Dark brown body with four narrow white stripes on the back and another white stripe at the base of the tail.
- One stripe on the occiput (back of the head).
- 15 – 18 scales between the two orbits (eye sockets).
- 15 – 18 scales between the eye and nostril.
- 14 rows of weakly keratinized, irregular tubercles along the mid-dorsal (mid-back) region.
- 19 – 22 tubercles along the spine in the mid-body region between the forelimbs and hindlimbs.
- 44 – 45 ventral scales (belly scales).
- No precloacal grooves or pores.
- 4 – 6 enlarged femoral scales (scales on the thigh) on each side.
- 22 – 25 subdigital lamellae (scales under the toes) on the first hind toe.
- 17 – 18 subdigital lamellae on the fourth hind toe.
- Enlarged scales on the heel.
- Enlarged subcaudal scales (scales under the tail).
Biology and Ecology:
- Nocturnal reptile species, typically inhabiting weathered volcanic rock caves near underground streams.
- Active only at night.
- Feeds on insects found in the local area.
- Lays two eggs at the beginning of the rainy season each year on rock faces.
- The species name honors Dr. Stephanie L. Eisenman, Director of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), USA.
Distribution:
- Endemic to Vietnam.
- Recently discovered on Hon Son Island, Kien Giang province; the type locality of Cnemaspis caudanivea.