Diplodactylus conspicillatus

Diplodactylus conspicillatus
Conservation status
	; Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Family:	Diplodactylidae
Genus:	Diplodactylus
Species:	D. conspicillatus
Binomial name
	Diplodactylus conspicillatus; Lucas & C. Frost, 1897
Synonyms
	Gymnodactylus laevis; Sternfeld, 1925;

Last updated August 18, 2024

Diplodactylus conspicillatus, also known commonly as the variable fat-tailed gecko or the burrow-plug gecko, is a species of lizard in the family Diplodactylidae. The species is endemic to Australia, where it is found in central and arid inland areas.^[3] Widespread across the continent, the variable fat-tailed gecko is most commonly found in sandy desert habitats dominated by spinifex grasses.^[4] It has also been bred in captivity by zoos and as pets.^[5]

Description

D. conspicillatus (A, B) and other species in its species complex (C-H) Independent-Transitions-between-Monsoonal-and-Arid-Biomes-Revealed-by-Systematic-Revison-of-a-pone.0111895.g007.jpg — *D. conspicillatus* (A, B) and other species in its species complex (C-H)

The variable fat-tailed gecko is small-medium-sized gecko with a pale fawn to reddish-brown body. It has a dark brown reticulated pattern over the dorsal aspect of its body and pale to white speckles covering the body. Limbs, lips and underside of the gecko are paler than the rest of the body and a dark streak is present between the snout and eye, sometimes continuing beyond the eye.^[4]

The variable fat-tailed gecko has a stout body, short limbs and a broad, flat tail of similar size to the head. It is approximately 60 mm (2.4 in) long, snout-to-vent (SVL = measurement taken from the tip of an animal's nose to the opening of the cloaca) with a tail length around 40% of the SVL.^[4]

The dorsal scales are large and homogenous, continuing into plate-like scales on the tail. The nostril is separated from the rostral scale by an anterior nasal scale, and the mental scale is hemispherical in shape.^[4] It has a large primary supralabial scale followed by small, granular supralabials no larger than the adjacent loreals.^[6]

Like most gecko species, the variable fat-tailed gecko lacks a moveable eyelid and instead relies on a long, flexible tongue to keep its eyes moist and clean.^[4]

Both male and female variable fat-tailed geckos possess paracloacal (parallel to the cloaca) spurs, small clusters of around 3-8 spines. It is important to note that although present in both sexes, paracloacal spurs in females are rarely more than 50% larger than adjacent body scales.^[5] In addition to paracloacal spurs, a key identifying feature of the variable fat-tailed gecko is a lack of pre-anal pores.^[4]

Taxonomy

D. conspicillatus was described as a species new to science in 1897 by Arthur Henry Lucas and Charles Frost.^[1]

The genus Diplodactylus consists of 27 gecko species commonly referred to as stone geckos or fat-tailed geckos. Species within the genus are morphologically similar but genetically distinct.^[7] For example, D. kenneallyi , D. savagei , D. pulcher and D. conspicillatus all share similar morphological traits. As a result, many Diplodactylus species have been reclassified and redescribed over the years to more accurately represent the diversity within the genus.^[6]

Distribution and habitat

Preserved lectotype specimen (NMV D7535) Independent-Transitions-between-Monsoonal-and-Arid-Biomes-Revealed-by-Systematic-Revison-of-a-pone.0111895.g008.jpg — Preserved lectotype specimen (NMV D7535)

D. conspicillatus is widely distributed across mainland Australia within arid and semi-arid habitats. It ranges from inland New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia to northern regions of Western Australia and the Northern Territory. It is also found in coastal regions of north-western Western Australia and north-eastern Northern Territory.^[4]

This terrestrial gecko inhabits a variety of ecosystems including sandy deserts, open grasslands, shrublands, rocky outcrops and stony ranges, although it is most commonly found in sandy deserts dominated by spinifex grasses.^[4]^[5] It is often found sheltering in fallen trees, cracks in the soil, among rocks and in abandoned lizard/spider burrows.^[5]

Ecology

The variable fat-tailed gecko is nocturnal (active during the night) and like most lizards is ectothermic, absorbing warmth and energy from the sun during the day, so it can then hunt and digest its food at night.^[8] As a nocturnal species, the variable fat-tailed gecko seeks out warm places to shelter in during the day such as rocks, fallen trees and abandoned burrows of spiders and other lizards. Shelter-seeking behaviour is observed in many desert dwelling species to provide protection from diurnal (active during the day) predators and prevent body temperatures from exceeding the preferred body temperature (PBT).^[9]

Endemic to remote areas of Australia, there is little known about the behaviours and ecology of the variable fat-tailed gecko. This dilemma is also contributed to by the difficulties often faced identifying this species correctly due to similarities with other diplodactylids.^[6] Further research into breeding, hunting and adaptive behaviours as well as the ecophysiology of this species is needed.

Diet

The variable fat-tailed gecko is a specialist feeder, feeding almost exclusively on termites. In addition to termites, this insectivore will also eat crickets, spiders, ants and other small insects.^[2]

Water sources in many arid zones of Australia are scarce; so the variable fat-tailed gecko most likely obtains water from morning dew and other water residues.^[9]

Reproduction

D. conspicillatus is oviparous, meaning it lays eggs as opposed to giving birth to live young.^[3] It breeds from September to February and from November to March in more northern areas. Little is known about its mating behaviour; however, it is thought cloacal spurs are most likely used to grasp the female during copulation.^[5]

Gravid females exhibit a marked increase in girth before laying their eggs in shallow scapes of moist sand or on the sand surface beneath fallen trees and other vegetation. Typical clutch size is 1–2 eggs, with females laying multiple clutches per season. Each egg measures 15.5 mm × 9.25 mm (0.610 in × 0.364 in), and the eggs reach full incubation (hatch) in around 59–65 days. The average hatchling size is 24–27 mm (0.94–1.06 in) (SVL).^[5]

In captivity, the variable fat-tailed gecko has been observed to reach sexual maturity at 70-80% of adult SVL around 12–18 months of age.^[5]

Predators and threats

Natural predators of the variable fat-tailed gecko include birds of prey, snakes and other lizards.^[4] Many of these predators are avoided during the day by seeking shelter.^[9]

The variable fat-tailed gecko is currently listed on the IUCN Red List as of least concern. However, although not currently threatened like many Australian species, it is still susceptible to increasing environmental threats such as habitat degradation, habitat loss, climate change and predation by feral species such as cats, dogs and foxes.^[1]

Related Research Articles

Diplodactylus is a genus of geckos of the family Diplodactylidae from Australia. They are sometimes called stone geckos or fat-tailed geckos. Member species are morphologically similar but genetically distinct.

The western beaked gecko is a species of gecko found throughout the interior of Australia.

Christinus marmoratus, also known as marbled gecko or southern marbled gecko, is a species of Gekkonidae (gecko) native to southern mainland of Australia, from Victoria to Western Australia. The species is well adapted to a variety of habitats, including city dwellings..

Diplodactylus vittatus, commonly known as the eastern stone gecko, stone gecko, and wood gecko, is a species of diplodactylid lizards that occurs in forest, shrubland and arid regions across Australia. It is widespread across the states of Queensland, Victoria and New South Wales, commonly found in dry peripheral bushlands. This gecko can be kept as a pet or seen within zoo enclosures.

Lucasium steindachneri, commonly called the box-patterned gecko or Steindachner's gecko, is a species of nocturnal, medium-sized lizard in the family Diplodactylidae. The species has a pale strip with three patches of brown along its back. This gecko is terrestrial and only found in arid and semi-arid areas of continental Australia.

The northern spiny-tailed gecko is a species of lizard in the family Diplodactylidae. The species is endemic to Australia.

Lucasium byrnei, also known commonly as the gibber gecko, Byrne's gecko, and the pink-blotched gecko, is a species of small, nocturnal lizard in the family Diplodactylidae. The species is endemic to Australia.

Diplodactylus tessellatus, commonly known as the tessellated gecko, is a small terrestrial lizard found distributed in inland New South Wales, Queensland, Northern Territory, South Australia and the north western corner of Victoria. The tessellated gecko is one of 26 species in the genus Diplodactylus all of which are confined to continental Australia. A small gecko varying in colour from grey to rich reddish-brown with a highly variable dorsal pattern.

Strophurus intermedius, also known commonly as the eastern spiny-tailed gecko or the southern spiny-tailed gecko, is a species of lizard in the family Diplodactylidae. The species is endemic to semi-arid regions of Australia in New South Wales, Northern Territory, South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia, in mallee shrubland and woodland habitats.

<i>Diplodactylus custos</i> Species of lizard

Diplodactylus custos, sometimes called the Kimberley fat-tailed gecko, is a gecko endemic to Australia.

Main's ground gecko is a species of gecko, a lizard in the family Diplodactylidae. The species is endemic to Australia.

The border beaked gecko is a gecko endemic to Australia in the family Gekkonidae. It is known for its distinctive beak-like snout and ability to camouflage itself in its surroundings.

The Goldfields spiny-tailed gecko is a species of lizard in the family Diplodactylidae. The species is endemic to Australia.

Strophurus elderi, also known commonly as the jewelled gecko, is a terrestrial, nocturnal species of gecko, a lizard in the family Diplodactylidae. Previously classified within the genus Diplodactylus, S. elderi is one of 22 geckos belonging to the genus Strophurus. The species is endemic to the arid regions of central and north-western Australia.

Strophurus jeanae, also known commonly as the southern phasmid gecko and Jean's spiny-tailed gecko, is a species of gecko, a lizard in the family Gekkonidae. The species is endemic to Australia.

The short-tailed striped gecko, also known commonly as McMillan's spiny-tailed gecko, is a species of lizard in the family Diplodactylidae. The species is endemic to Australia.

The Exmouth spiny-tailed gecko, also known commonly as Rankin's spiny-tailed gecko, is a species of lizard in the family Diplodactylidae. The species is endemic to Western Australia.

The Western Shield spiny-tailed gecko, also known commonly as Wellington's spiny-tailed gecko, is a species of lizard in the family Diplodactylidae. The species is endemic to Australia.

Strophurus williamsi, also known commonly as the eastern spiny-tailed gecko, the soft-spined gecko, and Williams' spiny-tailed gecko, is a species of lizard in the family Diplodactylidae. The species is endemic to semi-arid regions of eastern Australia including Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia. It has become a popular species as a pet for its distinctive tail features. S. williamsi has been grouped within a clade of seven other species that are believed to have diverged from their ancestors around 20 million years ago. S. williamsi can be distinguished from closer relatives by arboreality and diurnal (day-active) activity.

The eastern deserts fat-tailed gecko is a small terrestrial species of gecko endemic to Australia, and is a part of the Diplodactylus genus.

References

1 2 3 Shea, G.; Ellis, R.; Wilson, S.; Oliver, P. (2017). "Diplodactylus conspicillatus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2017: e.T102673061A102673095. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-3.RLTS.T102673061A102673095.en . Retrieved 20 November 2021.
1 2 Uetz, P; Hallermann, J. "Diplodactylus conspicillatus". The Reptile Database. Retrieved May 20, 2019.
1 2 "Variable Fat-tailed Gecko". Australian Reptile Online Database. Retrieved May 23, 2019.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Cogger, Harold G. (2014). Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia, Seventh Edition. Collingwood, Victoria, Australia: CSIRO Publishing. pp. 460–475. ISBN 978-0643100350.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Brown, D (2012). A Guide to Australian Geckos and Pygopods. Burleigh, Queensland: Reptile Publications. pp. 253–271.
1 2 3 Storr, G (1988). "Three new Diplodactylus (Lacertilia: Gekkonidae) from the arid zone of Australia" (PDF). Records of the Western Australian Museum. 14 (2): 217–223. Retrieved May 20, 2019.
↑ Doughty, Paul; Oliver, Paul (2013). "Systematics of Diplodactylus (Squamata: Diplodactylidae) from the south-western Australian biodiversity hotspot: redefinition of D. polyophthalmus and the description of two new species" (PDF). Records of the Western Australian Museum. 28: 44–65. doi:10.18195/issn.0312-3162.28(1).2013.044-065 . Retrieved May 24, 2019.
↑ "Diplodactylus conspicillatus: fat-tailed gecko". James Cook University Australia. James Cook University Australia. 19 October 2015. Retrieved May 25, 2019.
1 2 3 Lambers, Hans (2018). On the Ecology of Australia's Arid Zone. Crawley, Western Australia: Springer International Publishing. pp. 133–144.