Diplodactylus conspicillatus

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Diplodactylus conspicillatus
Diplodactylus conspicillatus 126324117.jpg
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
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

Diplodactylus conspicillatus, the variable fat-tailed gecko or burrow-plug gecko, is a diplodactylid gecko endemic to central and arid inland areas of Australia. [2] Widespread across the continent, the variable fat-tailed is most commonly found in sandy desert habitats dominated by spinifex grasses. [3] They have also been bred in captivity by zoos and as pets. [4]

Contents

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 geckos are paler than the rest of the body and a dark streak presents between the snout and eye, sometimes continuing beyond the eye. [3]

Variable fat-tailed geckos have a stout body, short limbs and a broad, flat tail of similar size to the head. They are approximately 60mm long, snout-to-vent (SVL = measurement taken from the tip of an animal's nose to the opening of the cloaca) with a tail around 40% of the SVL (approximately 24mm). [3]

The dorsal scales are large and homogenous, continuing into plate-like scales over the tail. Nostrils are separated from the rostral scale by an anterior nasal scale and the mental scale is hemispherical in shape. [3] They have a large primary supralabial scale followed by small, granular supralabials no larger than the adjacent loreals. [5]

Like most gecko species, the variable fat-tailed gecko lacks a moveable eyelid and instead relies on a long, flexible tongue to keep their eyes moist and clean. [3]

Both male and female 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. [4] In addition to paracloacal spurs, a key identifying feature of the variable fat-tailed gecko is a lack of pre-anal pores. [3]

Taxonomy

Diplodactylus conspicillatus was first identified in 1897 by Arthur Henry Lucas and Charles Frost. [1]

The genus Diplodactylus consists of 27 gecko species commonly referred to as stone or fat-tailed geckos. Species within the genus are morphologically similar but genetically distinct. [6] For example, Diplodactylus kenneallyi, Diplodactylus savage, Diplodactylus pulcher and Diplodactylus 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. [5]

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)

Diplodactylus conspicillatus is widely distributed across mainland Australia within arid and semi-arid habitats. They range from inland New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia to northern regions of Western Australia and the Northern Territory. They are also found in coastal regions of north-western Western Australia and north-eastern Northern Territory. [3]

These terrestrial geckos inhabit a variety of ecosystems including sandy deserts, open grasslands, shrublands, rocky outcrops and stony ranges, although are most commonly found in sandy deserts dominated by Spinifex grasses. [3] [4] They are often found sheltering in fallen trees, cracks in the soil, among rocks and in abandoned lizard/spider burrows. [4]

Ecology

Sandy desert and Spinifex grass habitat Diplodactylus conspicillatus Habitat.jpg
Sandy desert and Spinifex grass habitat

Variable fat-tailed geckos are nocturnal (active during the night) and like most lizards are ectothermic, absorbing warmth and energy from the sun during the day, so they can then hunt and digest their food at night. [7] 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 or spiders and other lizards. Shelter-seeking behaviour is observed in many desert dwelling species to provide protection of diurnal (active during the day) predators and prevent body temperatures from exceeding the preferred body temperature (PBT). [8]

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. [5] Further research into breeding, hunting and adaptive behaviours as well as the ecophysiology of this species is needed.

Diet

Variable fat-tailed geckos are specialist feeders, feeding almost exclusively on termites. In addition to termites, these insectivores will also eat crickets, spiders, ants and other small insects. [9]

Water sources in many arid zones of Australia are scarce and so, variable fat-tailed geckos most likely obtain water from morning dew and other water residues. [8]

Reproduction

Diplodactylus conspicillatus are oviparous meaning they lay eggs as opposed to giving birth to live young. [2] They breed from September to February and November to March in more northern areas. Little is known about their mating behaviour; however, it is thought cloacal spurs are most likely used to grasp the female during copulation. [4]

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. Eggs are 15.5 x 9.25 mm (length x width) in size and reach full incubation around 59–65 days. The average hatchling size is 24–27 mm (SVL). [4]

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. [4]

Predators and threats

Natural predators of the variable fat-tailed gecko include birds of prey, snakes and other lizards. [3] Many of these predators are avoided during the day by seeking shelter. [8]

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 they are 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

<i>Diplodactylus</i> Genus of lizards

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.

<i>Christinus marmoratus</i> Species of reptile endemic to 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..

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Spiny-tailed monitor</span> Species of lizard

The spiny-tailed monitor, also known as the Australian spiny-tailed monitor, the ridge-tailed monitor the Ackie's dwarf monitor, and colloquially simply ackie monitor, is an Australian species of lizard belonging to the genus of monitor lizards (Varanus).

<i>Heteronotia binoei</i> Species of lizard

Heteronotia binoei, also known commonly as the Bynoe's gecko, is a species of lizard in the family Gekkonidae. The species is endemic to Australia. One of Australia's least habitat-specific geckos, it occurs naturally across much of the country, and has also established in areas where it does not occur naturally, such as urban Perth, Western Australia. It is dark brown to reddish brown, depending on the colour of the ground upon which it lives. There are irregular light bands with dark edges along its back.

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

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.

<i>Lucasium steindachneri</i> Species of lizard

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Northern spiny-tailed gecko</span> Species of lizard

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.

<i>Nephrurus levis</i> Species of reptile

Nephrurus levis, commonly known as the three-lined knob-tailed gecko, smooth knob-tailed gecko, or common knob-tailed gecko, is a native Australian gecko species. The smooth knob-tailed gecko is part of the Carphodactylidae family, a family endemic to Australia. A common, alternative, name for this family is barking geckos due loud barks they make during threat displays, which includes swaying their bodies, winding their tail and attacking with an open mouth. There are multiple sub-species of Nephrurus levis, these include N.l. levis, N.l. occidentalis and N.l. pibarenis. Its aboriginal name is Illchiljera.

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

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.

<i>Strophurus intermedius</i> Species of lizard

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Border beaked gecko</span> Species of lizard

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.

<i>Strophurus elderi</i> Species of lizard

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.

<i>Strophurus williamsi</i> Species of lizard

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.

<i>Aspidoscelis costatus</i> Species of lizard

Aspidoscelis costatus, also known as the western Mexico whiptail, is a species of whiptail lizard endemic to Mexico, including Guerrero, Morelos, and Puebla in southern Mexico, as well as other Mexican states. Its range spans both temperate and tropical habitats, and even densely populated urban areas. Its common name, the Western Mexico Whiptail, can easily be confused with the Western Whiptail, which refers to a different lizard, Aspidoscelis tigris.

<i>Ctenotus leonhardii</i>

Ctenotus leonhardii, known by the common names Leonhardi's ctenotus, Leonhardi's skink or common desert ctenotus, is a species of skink found in a range of arid and semi-arid regions throughout mainland Australia. The species was named after German anthropologist Moritz von Leonhardi in 1919 and belongs to the genus Ctenotus, one of the largest genera of lizards in Australia.

References

  1. 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.
  2. 1 2 "Variable Fat-tailed Gecko". Australian Reptile Online Database. Retrieved May 23, 2019.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Cogger, Harold (2014). Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia. Collingwood, VIC: CSIRO Publishing. pp. 460–475.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Brown, D (2012). A Guide to Australian Geckos and Pygopods. Burleigh, QLD: Reptile Publications. pp. 253–271.
  5. 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.
  6. ↑ 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.
  7. ↑ "Diplodactylus conspicillatus: fat-tailed gecko". James Cook University Australia. James Cook University Australia. 19 October 2015. Retrieved May 25, 2019.
  8. 1 2 3 Lambers, Hans (2018). On the Ecology of Australia's Arid Zone. Crawley, WA: Springer International Publishing. pp. 133–144.
  9. ↑ Uets, P; Hallermann, J. "Diplodactylus conspicillatus". The Reptile Database. Retrieved May 20, 2019.
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