Yes, in fact, any geckos like this only have one or a few vertebrae that can break (so-called autotomizable vertebrae) in a way they control. These special vertebrae in geckos are all near the base of the tail like this and the rest can’t be broken in the same way (some other lizard groups have many more autotomizable vertebrae along the length of the tail so it can break anywhere). The location of the break this case suggests it was autotomy (which literally means self-cutting) in this little guy. Also, the little black nub is the tail regenerating, which only happens if the tail loss is by autotomy (which causes an intravertebral break at the weak spot in the middle of the vertebra) and not by ripping it off (which can cause an intervertebral break). That is, natural regeneration generally only occurs with autotomy when the break leaves half the old vertebra dangling and not when the break is between two vertebrae.
Thanks for asking! This can go in “what did you learn today” threads, for me!
Not a gecko, but sometimes tails can grow back in weird ways.
Thanks for this exhaustive answer! Yes @Thunderhead I’m glad I asked now, too! It never occurred to me that really the vertebra itself breaks, I always assumed it must be between two vertebrae. - I think it’s the abundant street cats that cause it.
Since I’ve moved into my new place, I’ve seen a bunch of common stuff (need to upload most of them to inat still), such as a few DeKay’s, Rough Earthsnakes and a Ratsnake. There is a pond near us so I’ll be able to find some turtles and frogs there too. Herping in a new place is always exciting.
If you post photos here, how about a species ID along with the pic? Maybe a general location also. We might be herp nerds (most of us) but don’t necessarily know where in the world you found the animal or what it might be.
Understood. I’ll do this from now on
These come in a few flavors. The spicy version is a sand viper and the salty version is a halibut.
http://www.inaturalist.org/observations/321894326
Found my Lifer Eastern Yellow-bellied Racer while roadcruising for Hognoses! At first I thought it was a bullsnake (which it is now apparent that it’s not now that I look at the photos more.) Super excited to have found this.
I saw this really awesome and endemic Northern Western Ghats Vine Snake a few days ago.
Observation at https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/326039734.
Is this another vine snake meme in progress? (Somebody who knows what I mean please add a link to the observation, as I don’t know where it is.)
I didn’t know what you mean but I did search for Vine Snakes and ordered them by faves and found this one. Is it the one you meant?
Yes, it is…
No words
Genuinely a stunning snake. Congrats! What an amazing animal.
Which curators are best to contact for reptile related stuff, I made a flag 7 months ago and would like to know who I should reach out to.