Rhynchoedura ornata Günther, 1867

Common Name and Activity Pattern

Rhynchoedura ornata, commonly called the western beaked gecko, is a small nocturnal gecko.

Size Measurements

The maximum total length of the species is 95 millimetres, with a maximum snout-vent length of 50 mm.

External Morphology

Individuals have a long slender tail, small slender clawed digits, and a narrow beak-like snout. This characteristic pinched head shape readily distinguishes the species from other geckos.

Head and Scale Features

The distinctive beak structure is formed by projections of the rostral and mental shields, and preanal pores are present.

Dorsal Coloration

The upper body is reddish-brown to red, covered in tiny yellow, brown, and white spots.

Head Markings

The head is light brown or grey, with a creamy or white stripe extending from below the eyes.

Ventral Coloration

The lower surface of the body is stark white.

Thermoregulation Behavior

This gecko thermoregulates by moving between warmer and cooler positions.

Sexual Dimorphism and Maturity

Females are often larger than males, and reach sexual maturity in less than one year. Early maturity allows for greater egg development, which increases offspring viability.

Reproduction

Females produce two leathery eggs per clutch.

Diet

Its favoured prey is termites.

Shelter Sites

Individuals are occasionally found sheltering beneath shrubs, but most often shelter in abandoned burrows dug by spiders and other lizards.

Home Range

During their lifetime, individuals maintain a small home range of around 30 metres.

General Distribution

This species is widespread and common across interior Australia, occurring in arid to semi-arid regions across a wide variety of habitats and soil types. Its recorded range includes New South Wales, the Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria, and Western Australia.

Range Exclusions

It does not occur in southern coastal regions or the tropical north of Australia.

Western Australia Range

In Western Australia, it is found in the northeastern part of Southwest Australia, with its range extending to the northern and northwest coasts.

Type Location

The species' type location is Nickol Bay.

Habitat Associations

Habitats include sand hills and plains, and it is often associated with Triodia, as well as mallee and mulga country.

Victorian Conservation Status

Under Victorian wildlife legislation, the species is classified as endangered and listed as Schedule 4.

Ownership Regulations

Ownership requires an "advanced" license, and written notice must be provided for any transaction involving the species.