Rhynchoedura facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rhynchoedura |
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Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Family: | Diplodactylidae |
| Genus: | Rhynchoedura Günther, 1867 |
The Rhynchoedura geckos are also known as beaked geckos. These unique lizards are found only in Australia. They are part of the Diplodactylidae family, which includes many types of geckos. Beaked geckos get their name from their special snout, which looks a bit like a beak.
Discovering Beaked Geckos
When these geckos were first studied, scientists thought there was only one type. This single species was named Rhynchoedura ornata by a scientist named Albert Günther in 1867. For a long time, it was believed to be the only species in its group.
Finding New Species
Later, in 1985, another species was described. But it wasn't until 2011 that scientists learned much more about these geckos. A big study looked closely at many beaked geckos across Australia. They found what are called "cryptic species." These are species that look very similar on the outside but are actually different kinds of animals when you look at their genes. Because of this study, four new types of beaked geckos were officially named.
The Beaked Gecko Family Tree
Today, we know there are six different species of beaked geckos. Each one has its own scientific name and a common name that helps us tell them apart.
- Rhynchoedura angusta (border beaked gecko)
- Rhynchoedura eyrensis (Eyre Basin beaked gecko)
- Rhynchoedura mentalis (Brigalow beaked gecko)
- Rhynchoedura ormsbyi (eastern beaked gecko)
- Rhynchoedura ornata (western beaked gecko)
- Rhynchoedura sexapora (northern beaked gecko)
