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Variable fat-tailed gecko

variable fat-tailed gecko (Diplodactylus conspicillatus)
Alice Springs, Northern Territory
Photo © Jordan de Jong
Diplodactylus conspicillatus - Lucas & Frost, 1897
Pronunciation  DIP-low-DAK-till-us   kon-SPISS-ill-AH-tuss
Etymology  Diplodactylus: 'double-toe'.1
conspicillatus: 'spectacled'.1
Other names   
 
Snout-to-vent length
Species avg: 6.2 cm
Reproduction
Oviparous
Clutch size
2
Description Distribution Natural history Conservation Further information More photos

Description

"A large member of the D. conspicillatus group (max SVL 62 mm) with a bold canthal stripe and a greatly enlarged first supralabial (contacting ventral edge of nasal scale. Mid-dorsal scales on trunk plate-like and markedly larger than smaller dorsolateral scales. Scales on nape granular and only slightly larger than granules on side of neck. Original tail spade-like and lacking an acute attenuated extension at tip. Scales on dorsal surface of tail arranged in transverse rows (which usually include rows of both large and small scales). Pattern generally spotted and often with numerous dark blotches that contrast strongly with base colour".2
"Most specimens tan to mid-brown and heavily chequered with small dark blotches that may coalesce to produce a reticulated appearance (lighter individuals more uniform; mid-brown, finely peppered with darker markings and bearing pale spots on dorsal and lateral surfaces). Pale spots generally present, most prominent on flanks. In some specimens there is reduced pigmentation on the vertebral zone producing a ragged-edged vertebral stripe (one specimen, WAM R110770, has a well-defined dark vertebral stripe bordered on either side by a pale paravertebral stripe). Head generally with darker crown but paler towards periphery. A prominent, pale canthal stripe present, extending from anterior edge of orbit to tip of snout and producing a distinctive 'v' shaped marking which contrasts with the darker dorsal and lateral head markings. A broad dark zone on side of face extends posteriorly beyond eye to temporal region. A pale zone below eye extends to ear. Limbs mottled or spotted and inner digits of forelimb with reduced pigmentation. Ventral surfaces off-white, immaculate."2

Similar species

Taxonomic notes

Was split up in 2014.2

Notes and disclaimer
This information may not be complete. While all care is taken to ensure the accuracy of the information in this page, primary sources should always be consulted for definitive information. Animals have an endearing habit of disobeying the rules, so the information on this page should be interpreted with a degree of flexibility.
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This page may be cited as:
  Diplodactylus conspicillatus at the Australian Reptile Online Database. Last updated 2017-03-29 11:39:16.
  Retrieved from http://arod.com.au/arod/?species=Diplodactylus+conspicillatus on the 28th of March, 2024.
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All photographs in The Australian Reptile Online Database are © the photographer and may not be reproduced in any form without the express written consent of the photographer.
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