When the sun first touched the rocky slopes of the Srivilliputhur-Megamalai Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu, southern India, what the researchers spotted looked almost like a brushstroke.
There, perched on a boulder, was a small gecko whose body shimmered with cobalt-blues and mustard-yellows—colours that instantly called to mind Vincent van Gogh’s The Starry Night. This was no mere illusion: it was a brand-new species, now formally named Cnemaspis vangoghi.
The remarkable find was made by a team of researchers led by biologist Ishan Agarwal, together with Akshay Khandekar and Tejas Thackeray from the Thackeray Wildlife Foundation in Mumbai.
Their expedition in April 2022 took them deep into the rugged southern slopes of India’s Western Ghats, where the new species first came to light.
The team chose to name the gecko Cnemaspis vangoghi in honor of the renowned Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh, as its vivid hues strikingly resemble the swirling blues and yellows of his famous painting The Starry Night.
Despite the challenges of the humid terrain, swarms of ticks, and long days in the dense forest, the tiny creature stood out—a living masterpiece painted by nature itself.
A Canvas Of Nature
At just around 3.4 cm in snout-to-vent length, Cnemaspis vangoghi is diminutive—but its palette is anything but. The males boast a bright yellow head and forebody, blending into a back marked by light blue spots against a darker backdrop. The reminiscent swirl of colour triggered the association with Van Gogh’s 1889 masterpiece.
Its life unfolds on the rocky surfaces and low-elevation deciduous forests (250–400 m above sea level) in the Srivilliputhur-Megamalai region, where this and a sister species—Cnemaspis sathuragiriensis—were both documented. Their range is narrow and specialized, what scientists describe as a fine example of “micro-endemism.”
During the expedition, Agarwal recalled a more startling detail: “I also had more than 500 tick bites during that summer trip, with the highest densities in the low-elevation, dry forests of Srivilliputhur, where the new species are found.”
But amid the discomfort came discovery—nature quietly asserting its creative brilliance.
Why This Matters
New species discoveries are often perceived as distant and elusive—hidden away in remote forests or far-flung corners of the world. Yet this discovery weaves together three universal themes: art, biodiversity, and hope.
It reminds us that our planet still holds countless marvels waiting to be uncovered. Tamil Nadu, where the gecko was discovered, continues to prove itself a treasure trove of life, with researchers anticipating the identification of dozens more lizard species in the years ahead.
Beyond the scientific triumph, this tiny reptile serves as a bridge between nature and creativity, showing that beauty is not confined to human expression. The vibrant patterns on its body echo the artistic harmony of a painted canvas, revealing that nature itself can be the ultimate artist—quietly crafting masterpieces in the wild for those patient enough to see them.
Thirdly, the discovery raises ecological awareness. A species with a limited range like C. vangoghi is inherently vulnerable to habitat change—even if found inside a protected tiger reserve. Its existence invites reflection: how many more magnificent creatures slip by unseen, minute and radiant? And how many may vanish before being named?
The Human Story Behind The Lizard
Imagine trekking through the glades at dawn, machete in hand, boots sticky with forest grit. The scientists pause, scan each rock face. Out of the corner of a lens, a flash of light blue. They crouch, negotiate insects, ticks, heat, humidity. And then—a small lizard, resting on a rock, looking like a live echo of swirling skies.
In that moment, science and art meet. Agarwal and his team recognised not simply a new taxon—but a starry tapestry of colour in miniature. They captured, measured, documented genetic tests, and published their findings in the peer-reviewed journal ZooKeys.
The naming of the species, “vangoghi,” is more than homage—it is a celebration of human inspiration and natural wonder combined.
A Hopeful Note
In the world of biodiversity and conservation, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by stories of loss—forests cut, species disappearing, ecosystems unraveling. Yet here is a moment of joy: a tiny creature, coloured like the night sky in a masterpiece, living quietly on stone and tree.
This discovery invites a gentle action: to look more closely at the world around us, to spot the patterns, the unheralded beauty. It invites us to value the “small” as much as the grand—from the giant whale to the inch-long gecko. It reminds us that discovery is still possible, even at our feet.
For in discovering Cnemaspis vangoghi, we rediscover wonder. And wonder—like Van Gogh’s spiraling night sky—reminds us we belong not just to cities and screens, but to the tapestry of life itself.
May this little gecko inspire us: to protect, to explore, to celebrate the hidden art in nature.
