Underwoodisaurus milii
The Underwoodisaurus milii, commonly known as the thick-tailed or barking gecko, is a reptile native to southern Australia. This species is distinguished by its plump tail and a unique barking defensive call. It inhabits rocky outcrops and shelters in burrows or under rocks during the day, emerging at night to prey on arthropods and smaller geckos.
Key Facts
- ›Commonly called the thick-tailed or barking gecko.
- ›Found in southern regions of Australia, including Western Australia and surrounding islands.
- ›Nocturnal and shelters under rocks or in burrows during the day.
- ›Preys on arthropods and smaller geckos.
- ›Forms aggregations in retreat sites during the day, a behavior unusual for reptiles.
- ›Listed as 'Least Concern' by the IUCN Red List.
Thick-Tailed Gecko, Barking Gecko
Southern Australia, Western Australia, Houtman Abrolhos, Archipelago of the Recherche
- Reddish-Brown Coloration With Bands of White and Yellow Spots.
- Paler Underbelly.
- Total Length Typically 120–140 mm .
- Original Tail Is Black With Pale Bands; Regenerated Tail Has Little Pattern.
Arthropods, Smaller Geckos
- Nocturnal.
- Forms Aggregations In Retreat Sites During the Day.
- Arches Back and Barks When Threatened.
- Licks Eyes After Eating.
About Underwoodisaurus milii
The Underwoodisaurus milii, commonly referred to as the thick-tailed gecko or barking gecko, is a species of lizard belonging to the family Carphodactylidae. This gecko is native to the southern regions of Australia, with its distribution spanning across Western Australia, including the southwest, goldfields, wheatbelt, and Nullarbor regions, extending north to Shark Bay and encompassing islands such as the Houtman Abrolhos and the Archipelago of the Recherche.
Description and Habitat
The Underwoodisaurus milii is characterized by its reddish-brown body adorned with bands of white and yellow spots, contrasting with a paler underbelly. Adults typically reach a total length of 120–140 mm, including their tail. The original tail is distinctively black with pale bands, though regenerated tails lack this patterned appearance. This species is adapted to rocky outcrops and exhibits a slightly greater tolerance to cold compared to many other Australian gecko species. It is a nocturnal animal, spending daylight hours concealed beneath rocks or within burrows.
Diet and Behavior
As a predator, the Underwoodisaurus milii preys on arthropods and smaller geckos. A notable and unusual behavior for reptiles is the tendency for this species to form aggregations in its daytime retreat sites. While the exact reasons for this social grouping are not fully understood, it has been observed to enhance thermal inertia, potentially offering physiological benefits that may precede the development of more complex social structures. When threatened, the Underwoodisaurus milii employs a defensive strategy involving arching its back and emitting a sharp, barking sound. Additionally, like some other geckos, it has the habit of licking its eyes after feeding, likely to maintain the cleanliness of its eye shields.
Conservation
The conservation status of Underwoodisaurus milii has been assessed by the IUCN Red List, where it is classified as 'Least Concern.' This designation suggests that the species is not currently facing significant threats to its survival. While not assessed under the Australian EPBC Act, it can be kept as a pet in some Australian states with the appropriate licensing.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Underwoodisaurus milii commonly called?
The Underwoodisaurus milii is commonly known as the thick-tailed gecko or the barking gecko. These names refer to its distinctive plump tail and its sharp, barking defensive call.
Where is the Underwoodisaurus milii found?
This gecko species is found in the southern regions of Australia. Its distribution covers much of Western Australia, extending eastwards to the Nullarbor region and including islands like the Houtman Abrolhos and the Archipelago of the Recherche.
What kind of habitat does the Underwoodisaurus milii prefer?
The Underwoodisaurus milii typically inhabits rocky outcrops. During the day, it shelters underneath rocks or in burrows, indicating a preference for secure, concealed environments.
What does the Underwoodisaurus milii eat?
The diet of the Underwoodisaurus milii consists of arthropods and smaller geckos. They are predators that hunt these prey items during their nocturnal activity periods.
Does the Underwoodisaurus milii exhibit any unusual behaviors?
Yes, unusually for reptiles, Underwoodisaurus milii has been observed to form aggregations in its retreat sites during the day. The precise reasons for this behavior are not fully understood, but it has been noted to increase thermal inertia.
What is the conservation status of the Underwoodisaurus milii?
The Underwoodisaurus milii has been assessed by the IUCN Red List and is currently listed as 'Least Concern'. This indicates that the species is not facing an immediate threat of extinction.
How does the Underwoodisaurus milii defend itself?
When threatened, the Underwoodisaurus milii will arch its back and emit a 'barking' sound. This defensive call is a notable characteristic of the species.
Related Lizards
Stenodactylus petrii
The Stenodactylus petrii, commonly known as the dune gecko, is a small, mostly nocturnal gecko found in the arid regions of northern Africa and Israel. Measuring only 2-3 inches from head to tail base, they are characterized by their long tails that can regenerate if lost, though they become shorter and stubbier. Unlike many geckos, they are adapted for digging and cannot climb smooth surfaces, preferring to hide in burrows or caves during the day.
Diplodactylus conspicillatus
The variable fat-tailed gecko (Diplodactylus conspicillatus) is a small to medium-sized lizard endemic to arid and semi-arid regions of Australia. Characterized by its stout body, short limbs, and a broad, flat tail, it typically displays a fawn to reddish-brown coloration with a reticulated pattern and pale speckles. This nocturnal insectivore primarily feeds on termites and is known for its unique burrow-plugging behavior, though much of its ecology remains under-researched.
Hemitheconyx caudicinctus
The African fat-tailed gecko, scientifically known as Hemitheconyx caudicinctus, is a ground-dwelling reptile native to West Africa and Cameroon. This species is characterized by its ability to store fat in its tail, which also aids in defense by detaching to help it escape predators. They are nocturnal and inhabit dry or savannah environments.