Kingdom Animalia Class Reptilia Infraorder Gekkota Phylum Chordata Rank Species | Subphylum Vertebrata Suborder Sauria/Lacertilia Family Diplodactylidae Genus Strophurus Order Scaled reptiles | |
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Similar Strophurus, Strophurus taenicauda, South‑west spiny‑tailed gecko, Diplodactylus, Nephrurus | ||
Strophurus ciliaris ciliaris feeding
Strophurus ciliaris is a species of lizard in the family Gekkonidae. The common name of this species, which is endemic to Australia, is spiny-tailed gecko. Strophurus ciliaris was previously known as Diplodactylus ciliaris.
Contents
- Strophurus ciliaris ciliaris feeding
- Strophurus ciliaris ciliaris female
- Etymology
- Description
- Reproduction
- Taxonomy
- Defence
- Behaviour habitat
- Conservation status
- Diet
- Geographic range
- Subspecies
- Threats
- References
Strophurus ciliaris ciliaris female
Etymology
The meaning of the scientific name or binomial, Strophurus ciliaris, comes from strophurus meaning "turning-tail" and ciliaris meaning "eyelashed", referring to the spines above the eyes.
Description
Strophurus ciliaris is highly variable in colour. This species can vary from a uniform grey colour, with few black or orange scales, to rich brown, with a mottled pattern of grey, white, and orange scales. Spines are present along the tail and long spines are generally present above the eyes, giving the impression of being eye-lashed. The average length for a member of this species is 89 mm (3.5 in). Females are known to be significantly larger than males.
Reproduction
They are an oviparous species that has a clutch size of two.
Taxonomy
This species was previously known as Diplodactylus ciliaris.
Defence
Members of the genus Strophurus have the ability to squirt a harmless, smelly, fluid from their tails. This is used as a deterrent for birds and other predations whilst they are perching in shrubs. Another defence mechanism that Strophurus ciliaris has is bright palate colour.
Behaviour & habitat
S. ciliaris is generally a nocturnal species but can be found basking during the day. Strophurus ciliaris is an arboreal species which occurs in arid, semi-arid, and subtropical habitats in shrubland. It can also be commonly found in clumps of Spinifex.
Conservation status
Strophurus ciliaris is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. This is due to its large distribution, unrestricted habitat preferences, and the limited number of threats facing this species.
Diet
Little is known about the diet of this species. However, similar to other members of the Gecko family, its diet includes arthropods. Strophurus ciliaris has been observed licking the exudes of wattle sap.
Geographic range
Strophurus ciliaris occurs in the interior of Australia, and its range expands from the northwest region of New South Wales and western Queensland through to South Australia and the Northern Territory, and then stretches into Western Australia.
Of the recorded occurrences of this species, 48 percent have been recorded in the Northern Territory, 31.2 percent in Western Australia, 10.9 percent in South Australia, and the remaining across New South Wales and Queensland. There have been no recorded occurrences of this species in Victoria.
Subspecies
This species has one desert form and one tropical form. There are two subspecies, Strophurus ciliaris ciliaris and Strophurus ciliaris aberrans.
Threats
Habitat degradation is a threat to Strophurus ciliaris. A large amount of this species' habitat has been lost or heavily degraded by land clearing and feral invasive species including goats. Habitat degradation and loss should not be considered a major threat at this time due to the wide distribution of Strophurus ciliaris and large amount of suitable habitat that remains.