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Beaded gecko
Species of lizard From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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The beaded gecko (Lucasium damaeum) is a gecko endemic to Australia.[1]
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Description
With only a few species of the genus Lucasium it is endemic to Australia.[2] The 7 cm long beaded gecko is reddish brown on top, with what looks like chains of beads surrounding the cream pale ridged vertebral strip, thus given the name of beaded gecko.[3][4] Single lines of pale blotches run down the side of its body with scattered smaller spots covering its dark brown limbs and surrounding body.[5] This gecko has a rounded snout rather than beaked (with the rostral connection to the nostril[6]), reddish brown in colour with a white or cream upper eyelid that is not able to cover, protect or clean the eye, rather the eye is covered in protective transparent scales.[7] To keep the eye clean they use their long flat tongue to wipe the eye. With relatively large eyes, the pupil is a thin vertical slit during the day and rounded and full in the dark.[8] The tail is a straight continuum of the body and the original tail has continuing patterns from the body down but will reproduce plain brown or spotted darker tails.[9] The toes of a beaded gecko are flat and unkinked without adhesive pads and usually whitish in colour. The feet of the beaded gecko are not suitable for climbing[10] The beaded gecko is nocturnal. Hiding through the day and coming out at night they travel large distances in search of food.[11]
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Distribution
Beaded geckos are found in drier arid to semi-arid climate parts of mainland Australia in all states and the Northern Territory.[12]
Ecology and habitat
The beaded gecko is a terrestrial (ground-dwelling) animal that can be found in a variety of dry desert habitats within mainland Australia from the savannah woodlands to spinifex-covered sandhills.[13] During the day the gecko uses insects and spider holes for shelter before coming out at night to hunt in open areas. This swift-moving gecko covers large areas in search for food.[14]
Reproduction
The beaded gecko is oviparous, meaning it lays eggs rather than giving birth. Females are known to lay 2 eggs per clutch. Like most Australian reptiles, geckos have a breeding season which is from late September to December. Males have paired sex organs, each independent.[15]
Diet
Beaded geckos like most other small lizards feed mainly on insects. The jaw is surrounded with short fine teeth; however, prey is crushed by the gecko rather than chewed.[16]
Threats
Threats include loss of habitat, and feral predators like dogs, cats and foxes.[17]
References
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