Reproductive Behaviour of the Neotropical Gecko Thecadactylus rapicauda (Houttuyn)

Abstract

Data were obtained from 46 matings with the times of occurrence being noted for 38 of them. Copulation occurred in all months of the year. Fifteen of the copulations (39.5%) occurred between 0600 h and 1000 h, showing that T. rapicauda is not strictly nocturnal. Mating behaviour is described. The male bites the female before mounting. Copulation lasts on average 3 min. 25 sec. and separation is accompanied by violent shaking. Few eggs have been found and egg-laying behaviour is very incompletely known.