Inland marbled velvet gecko facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Inland marbled velvet gecko |
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| Estimated Distribution of Oedura cincta in Australia, shown in blue |
Oedura cincta, also known as the inland marbled velvet gecko, is a special type of gecko found in Australia. These geckos are known for their unique patterns and their ability to live in different kinds of places. They are a fascinating part of Australia's wildlife.
Description
The inland marbled velvet gecko is a medium-sized lizard. It usually measures about 90mm from its snout to its vent (that's the opening near its tail). Some can grow a bit longer, up to 108mm!
This gecko has a thick tail and a purplish-brown body. Across its body, it has five or six light-colored bands. These bands are very easy to see when the gecko is young.
As the gecko gets older, small yellow spots appear on its body. These spots make the bands less clear. If the gecko is stressed or not very healthy, its tail might become thinner.
During the day, adult geckos look purplish-brown. At night, their color changes to a duller grey. You can tell this gecko apart from a similar species, O. marmorata. The O. cincta is usually longer and has a thinner tail. Its tail is never thicker than its head.
Etymology
The name cincta comes from a Latin word. It means "to go around" or "surround." This name probably refers to the bands that go around the gecko's body and tail.
The first part of its scientific name, Oedura, means "swollen tail." Many geckos in the Oedura group have tails that can swell up.
Taxonomy and Evolution
Scientists have studied the Oedura cincta gecko for many years. It was once thought to be the same as another gecko, Oedura marmorata. However, in 2016, researchers discovered that O. cincta is its own distinct species.
In fact, they found that the original O. marmorata group actually includes four different species now. These are O. cincta, O. fimbria, O. bella, and the true O. marmorata.
Oedura cincta can be found in different groups, or "lineages," that live in various habitats. This shows how adaptable these geckos are to their surroundings.
Distribution and Habitat
The inland marbled velvet gecko lives in a wide area of Australia. You can find it in central Australia and also in the inland eastern parts of the country.
These geckos are known to live in both trees and rocks. They often make their homes in granite, quartz, sandstone, and limestone rocks. They also like to live in trees.
In eastern Australia, especially in New South Wales and Queensland, many O. cincta geckos live in trees. They often hide in tree hollows and under the bark of small trees, especially Casuarina trees. They will also live in rocks if they are available, like in the Flinders Ranges.
In central Australia, the geckos are more likely to live among rocks. Some isolated groups have been found in the Macdonell and Reynolds Ranges in the Northern Territory, where they mostly live on rocks.
Reproduction
Oedura cincta geckos are oviparous. This means they lay eggs instead of giving birth to live young.
It is believed that these geckos usually lay two eggs at a time.
Diet
Oedura geckos, including O. cincta, are active hunters. They search for arthropods (like insects and spiders) on vertical surfaces such as rocks and trees. They also look for food on the ground.
Sometimes, these geckos have been seen licking sap from trees. They especially like the sap from wattle trees.
