Cyrtodactylus cucphuongensis is distinguished by the following morphological traits:
Snout-vent length (SVL) up to 96.0 mm, making it a medium-sized bent-toed gecko.
This gecko exhibits minimal sexual dimorphism, though males may have slightly broader heads. The dorsal ground color is typically light gray or brown, overlain with dark, irregular blotches and bands. The head features a distinctive pattern of dark spots, while the nuchal band extends laterally but does not form a complete loop. The ventral scales are pale and immaculate, with 42 rows between ventrolateral folds. Tuberculation is moderate, with 10 irregular longitudinal rows of conical tubercles at midbody and 27 paravertebral tubercles between limb insertions. The tail is banded and may regenerate after loss. Juveniles resemble adults but display more contrasting patterns
C. cucphuongensis is endemic to Cuc Phuong National Park in Ninh Binh Province, northern Vietnam. Its distribution is restricted to karst limestone formations at elevations of approximately 100 meters. The type locality consists of karst outcrops adjacent to the main park road, characterized by:
Nocturnal and Cryptic: This gecko is primarily nocturnal, emerging at night to forage on insects and arthropods. It shelters during daylight in rock crevices or caves .
Diet: Insectivorous, preying on ants, beetles, and spiders gleaned from karst surfaces .
Reproduction: Presumed oviparous (egg-laying), though clutch size and breeding season are unrecorded. Other Cyrtodactylus species typically lay 1–2 eggs per clutch in moist crevices .
Anti-Predator Adaptations: Relies on camouflage and rapid retreat into rock fissures when threatened. Tail autotomy (self-amputation) is likely a defense mechanism
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