Strophurus intermedius (Ogilby, 1892)

Species Classification and Size Context

Strophurus intermedius is one of the larger species of gecko native to Australia.

Base Body Coloration

Its body is grey with patterning, and it has a pale belly.

Common Name Origin

It gets its two common names, eastern spiny-tailed gecko and southern spiny-tailed gecko, from two longitudinal rows of prominent tubercles running along the full length of its back and tail.

Spine Appearance

These spines are orange-brown in color, and grow more prominent toward the tail.

Spine Defense Function

This spiny feature serves as a defense mechanism: the spines on the tail exude a harmless but bad-smelling orange fluid onto attackers.

Body and Limb Structure

S. intermedius has strong limbs and a strong body.

Digit Adhesive Features

The tips of its digits have adhesive discs, like digits of most Gekkota species.

Mouth Lining Color

The inside lining of its mouth is blue.

Eye Iris Features

The iris of its eye has a bright orange rim.

Head Morphology

Its head is oviform and convex, with a rounded snout and large eyes, and it has no spines above the eyes.

Adult Snout-to-Vent Length

Adult S. intermedius have an average snout-to-vent length of 64 mm (2.5 in).

Sexual Dimorphism

This species is sexually dimorphic: adult females are larger than adult males, and males have large hemipenal bulges that females lack.

Partial State Distribution

Geographically, S. intermedius occurs in the southernmost parts of the Northern Territory, Western Australia, and Queensland.

Full State Distribution

It is found throughout the entire states of New South Wales and South Australia, and across the northern half of Victoria.

Highest Population Density Area

It is most common around Alice Springs, Northern Territory.

Activity Pattern

In terms of ecology and habitat, S. intermedius is nocturnal (active at night) and terrestrial (land-dwelling).

Thermal Trait and Habitat Type

It is an ectotherm that inhabits warm semi-arid habitats.

Daytime Shelter Sites

During the day it hides under rocks, under tree bark, or inside logs, and can also be found in spinifex grass.

Nocturnal Foraging Activity

It is active hunting for food at night.

Vegetation Habitat Types

It generally occurs in vegetation types including shrubland, woodland, and grassland.

Reproductive Mode

S. intermedius is oviparous.

Sexual Maturity Age

Both male and female individuals reach sexual maturity at two years of age.

Female Egg-Laying Traits

Females begin reproducing at two years old, and lay clutches of two eggs during the summer.

Egg Incubation Period

Eggs take approximately 45 days to hatch.

Female Reproductive Period Length

Females are reproductively active over a 6-month period each year.