Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Gekkonidae
Genus: Gekko
Species: Dixonius minhlei
Physical characteristics: Dixonius minhlei is a small gecko with a maximum snout-vent length (SVL) of 47.5 mm. It has 7–9 supralabials and 14–15 rows of keeled tubercles on its dorsum. There are 20–23 ventral scale rows, and males possess 7 or 8 precloacal pores. The species is distinguished by a dark canthal stripe running from the rostrum, passing through the eye, and terminating at the back of the head. The second pair of postmental scales is significantly smaller than the first pair, about one-quarter the size. The dorsum is olive-gray with distinct olive-brown blotches.
Coloration and Appearance: The gecko’s body is olive-gray with more or less discernible brownish olive blotches. The canthal stripe gives it a distinctive facial marking, and its tail has the same coloration as the body.
Found at elevations around 70 meters above sea level.
Area: Dixonius minhlei is endemic to southern Vietnam, specifically recorded from Vinh Cuu Nature Reserve in Dong Nai Province. Other known locations include Cat Tien National Park, Bu Gia Map National Park in Binh Phuoc, and Lo Go – Sa Mat National Park in Tay Ninh Province.
Habitat: This species inhabits lowland evergreen forests, including both primary and secondary forests. It is found on the forest floor and occasionally on tree trunks, and can also thrive in areas of secondary growth.
Lifestyle: This species is nocturnal and fossorial, primarily active at night. It lives under leaf litter in lowland forests and is adapted to a semi-arid climate. Dixonius minhlei primarily feeds on termites and ants found in its habitat.
Reproduction: The species is oviparous, with females typically laying two eggs in protected areas like leaf litter near tree roots during the early rainy season.
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