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| Oedura argentea
Hoskin, Zozaya & Vanderduys, 2018
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Abstract
We describe a new species of velvet gecko (Diplodactylidae: Oedura) from the sandstone ranges of central-north Queensland, Australia. Oedura argentea sp. nov. is a medium-sized (SVL 61–80 mm) gecko that is distinguished from its congeners by a combination of its relatively small size, a pattern of 5–6 dark-edged pale transverse bands from neck to pelvis, a silvery iris, a slender tail, a single cloacal spur, and in possessing 14–22 pre-cloacal pores in males. Oedura argentea sp. nov. is a sandstone specialist currently known only from the Gregory Range and nearby sandstone outcropping at Bulleringa National Park. Further surveys are required to determine the limits of distribution through this region. Oedura argentea sp. nov. is the fifth described species of Oedura in north-eastern Queensland. We also assess the name O. fracticolor De Vis, 1884 because it is an unresolved name pertaining to this general region. Based on colour-pattern and locality in the original description, we conclude that O. fracticolor is a senior synonym of O. castelnaui (Thominot, 1889); however, we propose that priority be overturned under Articles 23.9.1.1 and 23.9.1.2 of the ICZN (1999) and that the name O. fracticolor be regarded as nomen oblitum and O. castelnaui a nomen protectum.
Keywords: Reptilia, Oedura argentea sp. nov., Oedura castelnaui, Oedura fracticolor
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| FIGURE 1. Holotype of Oedura argentea sp. nov. (QM J96296) in life; Cobbold Gorge.
Photo: Conrad Hoskin.
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Oedura argentea sp. nov.
Silver-eyed velvet gecko
Etymology. From the Latin adjective argenteus, meaning silver or silvery, in reference to the silvery iris of this species, which is unique among eastern Australian Oedura. The name is used here as an adjective in its feminine form.
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| Habitat of Oedura argentea sp. nov. at Cobbold Gorge.
Photo: Stephen Zozaya
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Ecology. Oedura argentea sp. nov. is restricted to sandstone outcrops and escarpments. Individuals are typically found at night foraging on sandstone cliff faces and pavements but have also been found at night on nearby vegetation, particularly small, thin trees. We have observed them emerging from narrow rock crevices at dusk
Conrad J. Hoskin, Stephen M. Zozaya and Eric Vanderduys. 2018. A New Species of Velvet Gecko (Diplodactylidae: Oedura) from Sandstone Habitats of Inland north Queensland, Australia. Zootaxa. 4486(2); 101–124. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4486.2.1
