Photo Feature
The king of reptiles
<p><em>Cnemaspis regalis</em>, commonly known as the royal day gecko or golden-crowned day gecko, is a diurnal, rock-dwelling, insectivorous lizard. Described in 2021, it is endemic to India, with its type locality in the Kalakkad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu’s Western Ghats. The species name ‘<em>regalis</em>’ is derived from the Latin word for kingly or royal. This refers to the distinct, golden-yellow, crown-like pattern ornamenting the heads of males. </p>
<p><strong><span style="font-size:12px;">Photo: Sandeep Das.</span></strong></p>