| Goldfields spiny-tailed gecko | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Family: | Diplodactylidae |
| Genus: | Strophurus |
| Species: | S. assimilis |
| Binomial name | |
| Strophurus assimilis (Storr, 1988) | |
| Synonyms [2] | |
| |
The Goldfields spiny-tailed gecko (Strophurus assimilis) is a species of lizard in the family Diplodactylidae. The species is endemic to Australia. [2]
The Goldfields spiny-tailed gecko was originally reported as a hybrid between the northern spiny-tailed gecko and southern spiny-tailed gecko. It was recognized as a valid species and given the scientific name Diplodactylus assimilis in 1988 by Glen Milton Storr, the specific name assimilis meaning 'similar' in Latin (in reference to its similarity to the eastern spiny-tailed gecko). [3] It has since been moved to the genus Strophurus along with the other spiny-tailed geckos.
In 2023, it was found that some specimens assigned to Goldfields spiny-tailed gecko were actually part of a separate cryptic species based on molecular evidence. The cryptic species was split from Strophurus assimilis and named Strophurusspinula (the lesser thorn-tailed gecko). [4]
This species reaches a snout-vent length of 53.7 to 80.8 mm, with a tail length being 49.3 to 66.3% the SVL. The body is mostly light or mid gray, sometimes with irregular dark markings. It has enlarged tan to orange tubercles arranged in a pair of parallel, mostly continuous, wavy lines down either side of the dorsal mid-line. The iris has a reticulated pattern surrounding by a dark brown ring. [4]
S. assimilis is found in southern Western Australia, as well as South Australia in the Eyre Peninsula & Queen Victoria Desert. [4]
The natural habitat of S. assimilis is mallee spinifex and acacia shrubland in arid and semiarid areas, often with red-brown sand. [2] [4]
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 south-western spiny-tailed gecko, also known commonly as the soft spiny-tailed gecko, is a species of lizard in the family Diplodactylidae. The species is endemic to Australia. Two subspecies are recognized.
The northern spiny-tailed gecko is a species of lizard in the family Diplodactylidae. The species is endemic to Australia.
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.
The variable fat-tailed gecko or burrow-plug gecko is a diplodactylid gecko endemic to central and arid inland areas of Australia. Widespread across the continent, the variable fat-tailed is most commonly found in sandy desert habitats dominated by Spinifex grasses. They have also been bred in captivity by zoos and as pets.
Diplodactylus fulleri, sometimes called the Lake Disappointment ground gecko, is a species of gecko, a 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 robust striped gecko, also known commonly as Michaelsen'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.
Strophurus robinsoni is a species of gecko, a lizard in the family Diplodactylidae. The species is endemic to Australia.
The western spiny-tailed gecko is a species of lizard in the family Diplodactylidae. The species is endemic to Australia.
Strophurus taenicauda, also known commonly as the golden spiny-tailed gecko or the golden-tailed gecko, is a species of lizard in the family Diplodactylidae. The species is endemic to eastern Australia. Three subspecies are recognized.
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 Mount Augustus spiny-tailed gecko, also known commonly as the Mount Augustus striped gecko and Wilson's spiny-tailed gecko, is a species of lizard in the family Diplodactylidae. The species is endemic to Australia.
The Zuytdorp worm-lizard, also known commonly as Smith's legless lizard, is a species of lizard in the family Pygopodidae. The species is endemic to Australia.
Strophurus spinula, commonly known as the lesser thorn-tailed gecko, is a species of lizard in the family Diplodactylidae. It is endemic to Australia.
