Why does the Sphaerodactylus parthenopion prefer hiding under stable rocks rather than in leaf litter?
Answer
To access cool and damp refugia
While other larger geckos in the region, such as Sphaerodactylus macrolepis, frequent leaf litter, the Virgin Islands dwarf gecko relies on rocky outcrops. Because it lacks effective physiological adaptations to prevent moisture loss, it must hide under large, stable rocks that retain ground moisture and provide a cool, damp environment. These rock crevices function as essential survival refuges in an otherwise dry and xeric landscape.
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