Box-patterned gecko facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Box-patterned gecko |
|
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Lucasium
|
| Species: |
steindachneri
|
| Synonyms | |
|
|
The Lucasium steindachneri, also known as the box-patterned gecko or Steindachner's gecko, is a cool type of lizard. It's part of the family called Diplodactylidae. This gecko is active at night, which means it's nocturnal.
You can spot this gecko by the pale stripe on its back. This stripe has three brown patches. The box-patterned gecko lives on the ground. It is only found in dry and semi-dry parts of Australia.
Contents
Why is it Called Steindachner's Gecko?
The second part of its scientific name, steindachneri, is a special tribute. It honors an Austrian scientist named Franz Steindachner. He was a herpetologist, which means he studied reptiles and amphibians.
What Does the Box-Patterned Gecko Look Like?
This gecko has smooth scales. It can grow up to about 59 mm (2.3 in) long from its snout to the start of its tail. But most of them are around 45 mm (1.8 in) long.
Eyes and Cleaning Habits
It has big, round eyes with pupils that look like thin lines. These geckos don't have eyelids that move. Instead, a clear scale covers each eye. To keep its eyes clean, the gecko simply licks these clear scales with its tongue!
Body Pattern and Tail
A pale stripe runs from its eyes all the way down its back to the tail. This stripe has three oval-shaped patches of dark brown. Its sides have pale spots and flecks. The box-patterned gecko has a long, thin tail. This tail makes up about 70% of its total body length! The underside of its body and legs are whitish. Its feet have five toes with round pads and large plates at the end.
What Does the Box-Patterned Gecko Eat?
The box-patterned gecko is a hunter at night. It eats different kinds of arthropods. This includes insects, spiders, and even scorpions!
How Does it Behave?
When the box-patterned gecko feels scared or is caught, it has some cool tricks. It might make a barking or hissing sound. It will also open its mouth wide and jump towards whatever is threatening it.
Dropping its Tail
If those tricks don't work, it has one more escape plan. It can drop its tail! This is called autotomy. The wiggling tail distracts the predator. This gives the gecko a chance to run away and hide.
How Does the Box-Patterned Gecko Reproduce?
Female box-patterned geckos are ready to have babies when they are grown up. Each year, a female will lay one or two eggs.
Where Does the Box-Patterned Gecko Live?
You can find the box-patterned gecko in dry and semi-dry parts of Australia. This includes Queensland, New South Wales, and small areas of eastern South Australia and the Northern Territory.
Its Home Environment
These geckos usually live in dry, open woodlands, forests, and areas with mallee trees. They prefer places with heavy or stony soils. During the day, they hide in cracks in the ground. They are often found in old insect holes. At night, they come out of their hiding spots to look for food.
More About the Gecko Family
The box-patterned gecko belongs to the Diplodactylidae family. Many species in Australia are part of this family. Most of them are not much bigger than 150 mm (5.9 in) long. They all have five toes with round toe pads.
