Island least gecko

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Island least gecko (Sphaerodactylus sputator)

The island least gecko is a lizard found in the northern Caribbean islands. It belongs to the family Sphaerodactylidae and is the type species of its genus, Sphaerodactylus. The gecko is endemic to several northern Lesser Antilles islands and their satellites, including Anguilla, St Kitts and Nevis, Saint Martin, Saint Barthélemy, and Sint Eustatius. It was rediscovered on Saba in 2021 after last being seen there in 1963. The species is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.

Taxonomy and name:
- Scientific name: Sphaerodactylus sputator
- First described in 1784 as Lacerta sputator by Anders Sparrman; type locality Sint Eustatius
- Placed in genus Sphaerodactylus by Wagler in 1830
- Etymology: Sphaerodactylus from Greek sphaira (ball) and dactylos (finger); sputator means "spitter" in Latin

Description:
- A relatively large species within its genus
- Color: light brown with white crossbands, brown edges, and dark brown blotches or stripes

Distribution and habitat:
- Endemic to the northern Lesser Antilles on Anguilla, St Kitts and Nevis, Saint Martin, Saint Barthélemy, Sint Eustatius and nearby satellites
- Rediscovered on Saba in 2021; last recorded there in 1963

Conservation:
- IUCN status: Least Concern