[Herpetology • 2025] Oedura atra • A New Species of Velvet Gecko (Reptilia: Diplodactylidae: Oedura) from basalt habitat of inland north Queensland, Australia

Oedura atra 

Hoskin, 2025

Basalt Velvet Gecko  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5583.3.7 

 

Abstract

Many Oedura geckos are saxicoline, and a number of these species are restricted to outcropping of a particular rock type. Most commonly this is sandstone, but some species primarily occur on other rock types, such as granite or limestone. There are few areas of extensive basalt outcropping in Australia, and these are typically of young age. Here I describe a new species of Oedura discovered in the Sturgeon Basalt outcropping of inland north-east Queensland, an extensive outcropping of deep age. Oedura atra sp. nov. is readily distinguished from congeners by its relatively dark colouration, with pattern restricted to narrow, pale bands, and other morphological features such as a short, broad tail, and a relatively wide head. It is genetically divergent from, but allied to, several Oedura species in inland north Queensland, with the ND4 mtDNA phylogeny suggesting closest relationship to O. argentea Hoskin, Zozaya & Vanderduys, 2018. Oedura atra sp. nov. appears to be restricted to basalt rocks and is only known from a localised area. However, it is likely to be more widely distributed along the extensive basalt outcropping in this region. Oedura atra sp. nov. best fits a conservation status of Data Deficient, pending further surveys and assessment of potential threats.

 Reptilia, colour pattern, Oedura argentea, Oedura atra sp. nov., saxicoline, Sturgeon Basalt

Oedura atra sp. nov. in life:
(A, B) adults with original tails, (C)  ventral surface of adult with an original tail (note egg visible through ventral surface), (D) adult with regrown tail, (E) subadult with original tail (note skin about to shed), (F) juvenile with original tail.

Panel D shows QM J98082 in life; the other individuals were photographed in the wild and not collected.

Oedura atra sp. nov. 

Basalt Velvet Gecko

Diagnosis. Oedura atra sp. nov. is a medium-sized Oedura with a body pattern of narrow, pale bands on a dark background; a tail that is relatively short (original TL/SVL 0.55–0.58; regrown TL/SVL 0.46–0.47) and wide (original TW/TL 0.24–0.30; regrown TW/TL 0.34–0.35); a relatively wide head (HW/SVL 0.20–0.21); a pale nuchal band that is narrowly continuous with the pale line along the mouth to the snout; a single cloacal spur on each side; a dark brown/copper iris; and a rostral scale only partially divided by a medial vertical groove.

Etymology. From the Latin adjective atra, meaning black or dark, in reference to the dark colouration of this species. The name is used here as an adjective.

Comparison of Oedura atra sp. nov. (A) with nearby Oedura species with body pattern of bands or elongate blotches:
O. argentea (B), O. monilis (C), O. castelnaui (D).

Photos: Scott Macor (A), Stephen Zozaya (C), Conrad Hoskin (B, D).

Conrad J. HOSKIN. 2025. A New Species of Velvet Gecko (Diplodactylidae: Oedura) from basalt habitat of inland north Queensland, Australia.  Zootaxa. 5583(3); 549-559. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5583.3.7 

[Herpetology • 2024] Diplodactylus fyfei & D. tjoritjarinya • Vicars in the Desert: Substrate Specialisation and Paleo-erosion underpin Cryptic Speciation in An Australian Arid-zone Lizard Lineage (Reptilia: Diplodactylidae: Diplodactylus)

 

  Diplodactylus fyfei sp. nov. from foothills of Mt Beddome on New Crown Station, NT; 
 D. tjoritjarinya sp. nov. from Tjoritja National Park, Northern Territory. 

McDonald, Fenner, Torkkola & Oliver, 2024

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/vz.74.e128775

photos by P. McDonald & A. Fenner

 

Abstract

Stable upland habitats in arid zone biomes are often characterised by locally endemic lineages. Explanations for this pattern include habitat or substrate specialisation (ecological specialisation) or intensifying aridity driving retreat into climatically buffered habitats (climatic refugia). Here we present an analysis of these alternative models using genetic, morphological and climate data for Diplodactylus galeatus, a gecko from central Australia that occurs in a series of isolated populations associated with dissected tablelands and mountain ranges. Analyses of mtDNA and SNP data support four distinct lineages, and dating analyses suggest divergence through the Pliocene. Morphological data show slight differences across lineages. Investigation of climate niche shows that two lineages are restricted to areas more arid than the intervening uninhabited region. These data suggest that specialisation to rocky substrates, potentially with subsequent paleo-erosion of dissected tablelands after a Pliocene wet pulse, was the key driver of divergence in this clade. Based on their deep genetic divergence, and differences in morphology and pattern, we recognise two isolated populations as new species.

Keywords: Aridfication, Diplodactylus fyfei sp. nov, Diplodactylus galeatus, Diplodactylus tjoritjarinya sp. nov., paleo-erosion, stony deserts, vicariance

Colour-pattern variation in the Diplodactylus galeatus species complex:
A, B Diplodactylus galeatus from Coober Pedy, SA (P. McDonald, A. Fenner),
 C, D Diplodactylus fyfei sp. nov. from foothills of Mt Beddome on New Crown Station, NT (P. McDonald, A. Fenner); 
E, F D. tjoritjarinya sp. nov. from Tjoritja National Park, Northern Territory (P. McDonald).

Genus Diplodactylus Gray, 1832

Type species: Diplodactylus vittatus Gray, 1832

Diplodactylus galeatus Kluge, 1973

Southern mesa gecko

Etymology: Derived from the Latin word galea meaning covered with a helmet in reference to the dark occipital cap.

Diplodactylus fyfei sp. nov.

Fyfe’s mesa gecko

Etymology: Named for the pioneering herpetologist Greg Fyfe in recognition of his substantial contribution to the knowledge and conservation of central Australia’s reptile fauna.

Diplodactylus tjoritjarinya sp. nov.

Tjoritja gecko

Etymology: Tjoritja is a Western and Central Aranda name for the MacDonnell Ranges. Aranda people sometimes refer to themselves as Tjoritja-rinya (pronounced ‘choor-it-ja-rin-ya’) – meaning belonging to Tjoritja. This name respects that Tjoritja is a living cultural landscape to which this gecko belongs and was suggested as a name for this gecko by the Traditional Owners of Tjoritja National Park. Used as a noun in apposition.

Peter J. McDonald, Aaron L. Fenner, Janne Torkkola, Paul M. Oliver. 2024. Vicars in the Desert: Substrate Specialisation and Paleo-erosion underpin Cryptic Speciation in An Australian Arid-zone Lizard Lineage (Diplodactylidae: Diplodactylus). Vertebrate Zoology. 74: 577-594. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/vz.74.e128775

[Herpetology • 2023] Woodworthia korowai • On the Sand and among the Crowds: A New Species of Woodworthia Gecko (Reptilia: Diplodactylidae) from Auckland, Aotearoa/New Zealand

Woodworthia korowai 

 van Winkel, Wells, Harker & Hitchmough, 2023

Korowai gecko  ||  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5374.2.7

 facebook.com: Nick Harker 

 linkedin.com: Dylan van Winkel 

Abstract  

Woodworthia is a diverse genus of diplodactylid geckos found in Aotearoa/ New Zealand, with 17 likely species. Despite this diversity, only two species have been formally described: Woodworthia maculata (Gray, 1845) and W. chrysosiretica (Robb, 1980). In this paper, we use an integrated taxonomic approach to describe a new species of Woodworthia gecko, Woodworthia korowai sp. nov., found along the western coastline of the Auckland Region, New Zealand. Although this species occurs in duneland habitat behind a popular beach near New Zealand’s most populated city, it was only recognised as a distinct taxon in 2016. We describe W. korowai sp. nov. based on a suite of morphological character states and substantial genetic divergence, based on the mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 (ND2) gene, that distinguish it from W. maculata sensu stricto and all other known species of Woodworthia. Phylogenetic reconstruction and molecular dating place it sister to the W. maculata group, with an estimated time of divergence in the mid to late Pliocene. This gecko is one of the most geographically restricted of all Woodworthia geckos, occupying an area of less than 500 km2 within the Auckland Region. Its narrow range and coastal association make it susceptible to environmental and genetic stochasticity. Furthermore, the popularity and recreational usage of the dune system threaten its habitat. Therefore, we hope that this description will bring attention to the value of coastal environments and the unique and sensitive duneland of Te Korowai-o-Te-Tonga/ South Kaipara Peninsula and Te Oneone Rangatira/ Muriwai Beach in particular and encourage conservation efforts to protect this newly described species and its habitat.

Keywords: Reptilia, Taxonomy, Te Oneone Rangatira/ Muriwai Beach, duneland, Woodhill, Oaia Island, Conservation, Woodworthia korowai sp. nov. 

Dylan van Winkel, Sarah J. Wells, Nicholas Harker and Rodney A. Hitchmough. 2023. On the Sand and among the Crowds: A New Species of Woodworthia Gecko (Reptilia: Diplodactylidae) from Auckland, Aotearoa/New Zealand.  Zootaxa. 5374(2); 263-294. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5374.2.7

Formerly known as the Muriwai gecko, this enigmatic species from the west coast of Auckland has just been formally described. They've been renamed the Korowai gecko (Woodworthia korowai) in reference to the south Kaipara peninsula where they live, and their colouration / striped pattern - which resembles the woven flax made into korowai (cloaks).

...

 facebook.com/NickHarker338/posts/7251666844878015

 linkedin.com/posts/dylan-van-winkel-2073473a_welcome-to-scienceenter-woodworthia-korowai-activity-7131782500552478724-T9k1

[Herpetology • 2023] Amalosia nebula, A. queenslandia, A. saxicola, etc. • Revision of Zigzag Geckos (Diplodactylidae: Amalosia) in eastern Australia, with Description of Five New Species

Amalosia nebula

Hoskin & Couper, 2023

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5343.4.1

Abstract

Geckos of the genus Amalosia Wells & Wellington, 1984 occur across eastern and northern Australia. Only five species are described but additional diversity has been recognised for some time. Here we assess species diversity in eastern Australia, using morphological and genetic (ND4 mtDNA) data. We describe five new species, all morphologically distinct and highly genetically distinct (>25% divergence). Amalosia hinesi sp. nov. is found in woodlands on the western side of the Great Dividing Range in south-east Queensland and north-east New South Wales. Amalosia saxicola sp. nov. is a large species found on rocks in the Mackay–Townsville areas of mid-east Queensland, including on many offshore islands. Amalosia nebula sp. nov. is restricted to rocky areas in upland sclerophyll forest of the Wet Tropics region of north-east Queensland. Amalosia capensis sp. nov. is a small species found in the northern half of Cape York Peninsula. Amalosia queenslandia sp. nov. is a small species that is widespread through woodlands over much of eastern and central Queensland. These species are diagnosed from other Amalosia species in eastern Australia, including A. cf. rhombifer which occurs in north-western Queensland. Amalosia cf. rhombifer is part of the clades comprising the remainder of the ‘A. rhombifer’ complex across the Northern Territory and Western Australia, which will be dealt with separately. Herein, we also we also synonymise the monotypic genus Nebulifera with Amalosia. This revision brings the number of Amalosia species to ten.

Keywords: Reptilia, Amalosia hinesi sp. nov.,  Amalosia saxicola sp. nov., Amalosia nebula sp. nov., Amalosia capensis sp. nov.,  Amalosia queenslandia sp. nov., Amalosia rhombifer, Amalosia lesueurii, Amalosia jacovae, Amalosia robusta, Nebulifera 

Conrad J. Hoskin and Patrick J. Couper. 2023. Revision of Zigzag Geckos (Diplodactylidae: Amalosia) in eastern Australia, with Description of Five New Species.  Zootaxa. 5343(4); 301-337. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5343.4.1

 https://news.yahoo.com/copper-eyed-mountain-creature-pointed-211353935.html

[Herpetology • 2023] Strophurus spinula • A New Species of Spiny-tailed Gecko (Squamata: Diplodactylidae: Strophurus) from the Mulga Woodlands of inland Western Australia

Strophurus spinula

Sadlier, Beatson, Brennan & Bauer, 2023

DOI: 10.18195/issn.0312-3162.38.2023.011-026 

  twitter.com/Ian_G_Brennan 

ABSTRACT 

 A new species of spiny-tailed gecko, Strophurus spinula sp. nov., is described from inland areas of southern Western Australia. Among its diagnostic features are a discontinuous mostly straight row of enlarged tubercles down either side of the body, and the caudal spines of the tail are uniformly coloured with the largest lateral spines aligned to form a laterodorsal row on either side of the tail. In these characteristics it is most similar in morphology to Strophurus assimilis, and to a lesser extent S. intermedius. Genetic information shows it is most closely related to a group of species that includes S. intermedius, S. spinigerus and S. rankini. Strophurus spinula sp. nov. is found largely within the southern mulga woodlands region of Western Australia, and at the southern margins of its range is parapatric with respect to S. assimilis.

 Strophurus spinula sp. nov.

Lesser Thorn-tailed Gecko

DIAGNOSIS:

Strophurus spinula sp. nov. can be distinguished from other members of the genus by the following combination of characters: a relatively straight and discontinuous row of enlarged unicoloured tubercles along the dorsolateral margin of the body; tail with a single row of enlarged unicoloured spines on either side of the original tail, progressively decreasing in size towards the distal part of the tail; scales in a transverse line across the tail between longitudinal rows of enlarged caudal spines scales 2–3 in number at mid-tail and larger than surrounding tail scales.

....

ETYMOLOGY: The species name ‘spinula’ is the Latin for ‘little thorn’ in reference to the comparatively small size of the tail spines, a feature which distinguishes it from regionally parapatric Strophurus assimilis which has more pronounced spines on the tail and bears the common name the ‘Thorn-tailed Gecko’. The specifc epithet is constructed as a noun in apposition.

Two individuals of Strophurus spinula sp. nov. from Mt Gibson in Western Australia.
 aspects of the whole body and the straight-line and broken arrangement of tubercles along the dorsolateral axis of the body; 

(photos: Anders Zimny & Ray Lloyd).

 Ross A. Sadlier, Cecilie A. Beatson, Ian Brennan and Aaron M. Bauer. 2023. A New Species of Spiny-tailed Gecko (Squamata: Diplodactylidae: Strophurus) from the Mulga Woodlands of inland Western Australia. RECORDS OF THE WESTERN AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM. 38; 11–26. DOI: 10.18195/issn.0312-3162.38.2023.011-026

   twitter.com/Ian_G_Brennan/status/1656227726745911296

[Herpetology • 2023] Hoplodactylus tohu • Revision of the New Zealand Gecko Genus Hoplodactylus (Gekkota: Diplodactylidae), with the Description of A New Species

Hoplodactylus tohu

Scarsbrook, Walton, Rawlence & Hitchmough, 2023

te mokomoko a Tohu  ||  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5228.3.3

 twitter.com/LJScarsbrook 

Abstract

The New Zealand endemic gecko genus Hoplodactylus is revised. Two species are recognized: Hoplodactylus duvaucelii (Duméril & Bibron, 1836) from the North Island and some near-shore islands, and Hoplodactylus tohu n. sp., which was formerly widespread throughout the South Island but is presently restricted to some islands in the Cook Strait region. H. delcourti (Bauer & Russell, 1986) is retained in Hoplodactylus sensu lato in the interest of taxonomic stability, pending further research, but is probably neither congeneric nor from New Zealand.

Keywords: Reptilia, Diplodactylidae, Systematics, Taxonomy, Squamata

Hoplodactylus tohu n. sp. Brothers Islands (Cook Strait);

Photographs: Nicholas Harker (Auckland, New Zealand).

te mokomoko a Tohu (left) and Duvaucel’s gecko (right).

photos: Nick Harker

 twitter.com/LJScarsbrook 

  

Hoplodactylus tohu n. sp.

Etymology.— The specific epithet was proposed by Dr Sharon Barcello-Gemmel, Rangatira of Te Ātiawa o Te Waka-a-Māui Trust, in recognition of the tupuna [ancestor] Tohu Kākahi. Tohu Kākahi was one of the two Parihaka prophets with whakapapa [genealogical] connections to Te Ātiawa – the iwi [tribe] with mana whenua [authority] over Ngāwhatu Kai Ponu [The Brothers], where the largest extant population occurs. Name used as noun in apposition.

Lachie Scarsbrook, Kerry Walton,  Nicolas J. Rawlence and Rodney A. Hitchmough. 2023. Revision of the New Zealand Gecko Genus Hoplodactylus, with the Description of A New Species. Zootaxa. 5228(3); 267-291. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5228.3.3

 twitter.com/LJScarsbrook/status/1614735823903297539

 theconversation.com/meet-te-mokomoko-a-tohu-a-new-species-of-new-zealand-gecko-hidden-in-plain-sight-195093

[Herpetology • 2021] Mokopirirakau galaxias • A New, Enigmatic Species of Black-eyed Gecko (Gekkota: Diplodactylidae: Mokopirirakau) from North Otago, New Zealand

Mokopirirakau galaxias  

Knox, Hitchmough, Nielsen, Jewell & Bell, 2021

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4964.1.7 

 twitter.com/StuartVNielsen 

Abstract

The New Zealand endemic gecko genus, Mokopirirakau, is notable for its ecology, with some species inhabiting extreme alpine environments, as well as for the large number of geographically circumscribed, species-level lineages awaiting formal description. In, 2018, a population superficially similar in colour and morphology to the black-eyed gecko (M. kahutarae) was discovered in alpine greywacke rock outcrops in the Oteake Conservation Park, North Otago, ~400 km south of the nearest M. kahutarae populations in the upper South Island. Genetic and morphological data indicate that this population is distinct, sister to a clade comprising M. granulatus and M. kahutarae. It can be distinguished from all but one Mokopirirakau species by colour pattern, and from M. kahutarae by smaller adult body size, eye and supraciliary characters, mouth and throat colour, ventral scale row count, tail length, toe shape, and lamellar count. Using an integrated taxonomic approach, we here formally describe this form as a new species, Mokopirirakau galaxias sp. nov., as well as discuss its ecology, likely distribution (particularly with respect to M. kahutarae), and potential conservation issues and requirements. Mokopirirakau galaxias sp. nov. should be considered “Threatened—Nationally Endangered” (qualifiers Data Poor) in the New Zealand Threat Classification System due to the low abundance and restricted known distribution, with potential threats from invasive predatory mammals and climate change. It should be considered Data Deficient in the IUCN Red List system.

Keywords: New Zealand, Gekkota, Diplodactylidae; taxonomy, alpine zone, Mokopirirakau galaxias sp. nov.

Carey Knox, Rodney A. Hitchmough, Stuart V. Nielsen, Tony Jewell and Trent Bell. 2021. A New, Enigmatic Species of Black-eyed Gecko (Reptilia: Diplodactylidae: Mokopirirakau) from North Otago, New Zealand. Zootaxa. 4964(1); 140–156. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4964.1.7

  twitter.com/StuartVNielsen/status/1384877869638246402

[Herpetology • 2021] Naultinus flavirictus • A New Species of Naultinus (Gekkota: Diplodactylidae) from the Te Paki Area, northern New Zealand

 Naultinus flavirictus

Hitchmough, Nielsen, Lysaght & Bauer, 2021

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4915.3.7 

 twitter.com/StuartVNielsen 

Abstract

We describe a new species of the New Zealand diplodactylid gecko genus Naultinus. Molecular phylogenetics and distinctive morphological features support taxonomic separation of the populations on the northern half of Aupori Peninsula in the far north of the North Island as a new species, Naultinus flavirictus sp. nov. The specific epithet refers to the diagnostic yellow colour at the corners of the mouth. We discuss the conservation status of and threats to this novel taxon and to Te Paki, Northland—the unique area of New Zealand where it is found. We further discuss the distribution and possible function of bright mouth colour within Naultinus.

Keywords: Reptilia, New Zealand, gecko, Diplodactylidae, taxonomy, new species, Naultinus flavirictus sp. nov.

 Rodney A. Hitchmough, Stuart V. Nielsen, Judith A. Lysaght and Aaron M. Bauer. 2021. A New Species of Naultinus from the Te Paki Area, northern New Zealand. Zootaxa. 4915(3); 389–400. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4915.3.7

twitter.com/StuartVNielsen/status/1352695957788516353

[Herpetology • 2020] Toropuku inexpectatus • Earning Your Stripes: A Second Species of Striped Gecko in the New Zealand Gecko Genus Toropuku (Gekkota: Diplodactylidae)

Toropuku inexpectatus 

 Hitchmough, Nielsen & Bauer, 2020

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4890.4.9 

Photos by D. van Winkel.

 twitter.com/StuartVNielsen

Abstract

The New Zealand diplodactylid gecko genus Toropuku is currently monotypic, but the sole member of the genus, T. stephensi, is distributed in two disjunct, geographically distant regions of New Zealand – the islands of Cook Strait (which includes the type locality, Stephens Island), between New Zealand’s North and South Islands, and the Coromandel Peninsula, in the northeastern North Island. Previously published phylogenetic results, based on three total individuals, recognized substantial—possibly species-level—diversity between these disparate localities, although no taxonomic decisions were made at that time. More recently, additional animals have been found on the Coromandel Peninsula. We here present phylogenetic and morphological evidence based on this expanded dataset to formally describe the populations on the Coromandel Peninsula as a new species, Toropuku inexpectatus sp. nov. The specific epithet refers to the species’ surprise discovery in a herpetologically well-surveyed area. The recognition of T. inexpectatus sp. nov. as a distinct species has implications for the conservation status of T. stephensi, which is now considered restricted to three islands in Cook Strait.

Keywords: Gekkota, taxonomy, Toropuku inexpectatus sp. nov., Toropuku stephensi, mainland relics, disjunct, conservation

FIGURE 1. Map of New Zealand illustrating the approximate distributions of the two species-level populations of Toropuku. Inset: A maximum likelihood phylogeny of Toropuku (pruned to just the ingroup) based on the concatenated mtDNA dataset, analyzed using RAxML. A black dot at each node indicates high support (e.g. maximum likelihood bootstrap>70).

FIGURE 5. Specimens of Toropuku inexpectatus sp. nov. photographed in the wild (not vouchered).

Photos by D. van Winkel.

 Rodney A. Hitchmough, Stuart V. Nielsen and Aaron M. Bauer. 2020. Earning Your Stripes: A Second Species of Striped Gecko in the New Zealand Gecko Genus Toropuku (Gekkota: Diplodactylidae). Zootaxa. 4890(4); 578–588. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4890.4.9

  twitter.com/StuartVNielsen/status/1334944953844293634

[Herpetology • 2020] Lucasium iris • Beauty in the Eye of the Beholder: A New Species of Gecko (Diplodactylidae: Lucasium) from inland north Queensland, Australia

Lucasium iris

Vanderduys, Hoskin, Kutt, Wright & Zozaya, 2020 

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4877.2.4 

photos: Stephen M. Zozaya twitter.com/StephenZozaya 

Abstract

The Einasleigh Uplands bioregion of central north Queensland, Australia, harbours a unique suite of reptiles that have begun to receive significant attention in the last 20 years. This has resulted in a number of new reptile species being described, and recognition that others await description. We describe a new species of Lucasium Wermuth, 1965 from the western Einasleigh Uplands. Lucasium iris sp. nov. is genetically distinct and morphologically diagnosable from all congeners by its large size, long and narrow tail, nares in contact with rostral scale, homogeneous body scales, distinct vertebral stripe, and paired, enlarged, apical subdigital lamellae. It is known from low rocky hills in a localised area of the Gregory Range, has the most restricted known distribution of any Lucasium, and is the only Lucasium endemic to Queensland. The new species appears most closely related to L. steindachneri (Boulenger, 1885), based on mitochondrial DNA sequences, but has a colour-pattern more similar to L. immaculatum Storr, 1988. All three of these species occur in the Einasleigh Uplands, but only L. steindachneri is known to occur in sympatry with L. iris sp. nov. In addition to the description of the new species, we present records of Lucasium immaculatum from the Einasleigh Uplands, which represent a significant known range extension.

Keywords: Einasleigh Uplands, Lucasium iris sp. nov., Lucasium immaculatum, Lucasium steindachneri, Gregory Range, Reptilia

Lucasium iris sp. nov.

Eric Vanderduys, Conrad J. Hoskin, Alex S. Kutt, Justin M. Wright and Stephen M. Zozaya. 2020. Beauty in the Eye of the Beholder: A New Species of Gecko (Diplodactylidae: Lucasium) from inland north Queensland, Australia. Zootaxa. 4877(2); 291–310. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4877.2.4

  twitter.com/StephenZozaya/status/1325974838855397377

      

[Herpetology • 2020] Oedura nesos • A New Velvet Gecko (Oedura: Diplodactylidae) from Groote Eylandt, Northern Territory, Australia

Oedura nesos 

Oliver, Jolly, Skipwith, Tedeschi & Gillespie, 2020

Groote Eylandt Marbled Velvet Gecko ||  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4779.3.10

photo: Chris J. Jolly twitter.com/CJollyNT 
blog.qm.qld.gov.au

Abstract

Over the last decade, the combination of biological surveys, genetic diversity assessments and systematic research has revealed a growing number of previously unrecognised vertebrate species endemic to the Australian Monsoonal Tropics. Here we describe a new species of saxicoline velvet gecko in the Oedura marmorata complex from Groote Eylandt, a large island off the eastern edge of the Top End region of the Northern Territory. Oedura nesos sp. nov. differs from all congeners in combination of moderate size, and aspects of tail morphology and colouration. It has not been reported from the nearby mainland regions (eastern Arnhem Land) suggesting it may be an insular endemic, although further survey work is required to confirm this. While Groote Eylandt is recognised as a contemporary ecological refuge for declining mammal species of northern Australia, newly detected endemic species suggest it may also be of significance as an evolutionary refuge for many taxa, especially those associated with sandstone escarpments.

Keywords: Reptilia, Oedura nesos sp. nov., Australian Monsoonal Tropics, ecological refuge, insular, endemism hotspots, sandstone escarpment, Top End

Oedura nesos sp. nov. uncollected specimen, subadult with original tail,
 Groote Eylandt, Northern Territory.

photo: Chris J. Jolly twitter.com/CJollyNT 

juvenile Oedura nesos sp. nov. uncollected specimen,
Groote Eylandt, Northern Territory.

photo: Chris J. Jolly twitter.com/CJollyNT 

Oedura nesos sp. nov.

Groote Eylandt Marbled Velvet Gecko

Oedura bella (in part) Oliver & Doughty, 2016

Oedura “Marmorata North 6” Rosauer et al. 2016

Etymology. Nesos (Greek) meaning island, in reference to the insular distribution of this species. Used as a noun in apposition.

Paul M. Oliver, Chris J. Jolly, Phillip L. Skipwith, Leonardo G. Tedeschi and Graeme R. Gillespie. 2020.  A New Velvet Gecko (Oedura: Diplodactylidae) from Groote Eylandt, Northern Territory. Zootaxa. 4779(3); 438–450. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4779.3.10

twitter.com/CJollyNT/status/1262906900535865345

NEW SPECIES: VELVET GECKO DISCOVERED ON ONE OF AUSTRALIA’S NORTHERN ISLANDS
blog.qm.qld.gov.au/2020/05/21/new-species-velvet-gecko-discovered-on-one-of-australias-northern-islands

    

[Herpetology • 2019] Oedura elegans, O. picta & O. lineata • Three New Velvet Geckos (Diplodactylidae: Oedura) from inland eastern Australia, and Redescription of Oedura monilis De Vis

Oedura lineata  Hoskin, 2019

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4683.2.4

 twitter.com/StephenZozaya 

Abstract

Inland eastern Australia has a complex array of habitats, driven by variation in topography, geology and moisture. This broad region is relatively poorly surveyed compared to coastal eastern Australia and likely contains significant numbers of undescribed reptiles. Oedura monilis is found through much of this region but has been shrouded in taxonomic uncertainty since its original description. Here I assess variation across the range of ‘O. monilis’ and show that it consists of two species: a widespread species in the northern half of the range and a widespread species in the southern half of the range. These two species are readily diagnosed by colour pattern and aspects of shape and scalation. I show that the name O. monilis applies to the northern species. I also show that the name O. attenboroughi Wells & Wellington applies to the northern populations, making it a junior synonym of O. monilis. I describe the southern widespread species as Oedura elegans sp. nov.. I also describe two new, highly localised species from inland eastern Queensland that are allied to O. monilis: Oedura picta sp. nov. from a rocky range in the Moranbah–Dysart region, and Oedura lineata sp. nov. from brigalow forest remnants in the Arcadia Valley. These two species are distinct for colour pattern and aspects of size, shape and scalation. Oedura lineata sp. nov. has a very small and fragmented range, and is restricted to a highly threatened habitat type. It therefore warrants conservation attention. I also provide more detailed diagnoses for O. coggeri Bustard and O. tryoni De Vis, and demonstrate that the name O. ocellata Boulenger is a junior synonym of O. tryoni.

Keywords: Chordata, Oedura monilis, Oedura elegans sp. nov., Oedura picta sp. nov., Oedura lineata sp. nov., Oedura attenboroughi, Oedura ocellata, Oedura tryoni, Oedura coggeri

 Oedura monilis De Vis, 1888 

Ocellated velvet gecko

Oedura elegans sp. nov. 

Elegant velvet gecko

 Etymology. From the Latin elegans, meaning elegant; in reference to the fine pattern and form of this species. 

Oedura picta sp. nov. from Bundoora State Forest.

Photo: Stephen Zozaya

 twitter.com/StephenZozaya

Oedura picta sp. nov. 

Ornate velvet gecko

 Etymology. From the Latin picta, meaning painted, in reference to the beautiful markings on this species.

Oedura lineata sp. nov.  from Arcadia Valley.

Photo: Stephen Zozaya 

twitter.com/StephenZozaya

Oedura lineata sp. nov. 

Arcadia velvet gecko

Etymology. The species name lineata is derived from Latin and refers to the linearly-arranged white lines, spots and dark markings that characterise this species. 

Conrad J. Hoskin. 2019. Description of Three New Velvet Geckos (Diplodactylidae: Oedura) from inland eastern Australia, and Redescription of Oedura monilis De Vis. Zootaxa. 4683(2); 242–270. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4683.2.4

 twitter.com/StephenZozaya/status/1181366179027226625