Underwoodisaurus milii is a species of gecko, a lizard in the family Carphodactylidae. The species is commonly known as the thick-tailed or barking gecko, referring to its distinctive plump tail and sharp, barking defensive call. The genus is also often called thick-tailed geckos as a group, along with the species Uvidicolus sphyrurus.
| Underwoodisaurus milii | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Family: | Carphodactylidae |
| Genus: | Underwoodisaurus |
| Species: | U. milii
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| Binomial name | |
| Underwoodisaurus milii (Bory de Saint-Vincent, 1823)
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| Synonyms[1] | |
Taxonomy edit
The specific name, milii, is in honor of French sailor and naturalist Pierre Bernard Milius.[2]
Description edit
U. milii is reddish-brown with bands of white and yellow spots, and a paler underbelly. It usually grows to a total length (including tail) of 120–140 mm (4.7–5.5 in).[3] The original tail is black with several pale bands; however, the regenerated tail has little pattern.
Distribution and habitat edit
U. milii is found in southern regions of Australia. Its distribution in Western Australia is throughout the southwest, the goldfields, wheatbelt, and Nullarbor regions to the east, and to Shark Bay in the north. It is also found at the Houtman Abrolhos and the Archipelago of the Recherche.[4] U. milii is found in rocky outcrops and is slightly more cold-tolerant than many other Australian gecko species. It is nocturnal, and shelters underneath rocks or in burrows during the day.
Diet edit
U. milii feeds on insects and small vertebrates.
Behaviour edit
Unusually for reptiles, U. milii forms aggregations in its retreat sites during the day. The reasons for this are unknown. However, it has been shown that this behavior results in a higher aggregate thermal inertia (they stay warmer) than would be found in solitary geckos of this and related kinds in similar circumstances.[5] In the same source, it was suggested that aggregating for physiological benefits may precede the development of other kinds of social behavior.
When threatened, U. milii will arch its back and "bark". It also does this in breeding season. This species, and some other species of geckos have the unusual habit of licking their eyes after eating, presumably to keep the eyeshield clean.[3]
Conservation status edit
The species U. milii has been assessed by the IUCN Red List and is listed as Least Concern. It has not been assessed by the Australian EPBC Act and may be kept as a pet with the appropriate license in at least some states of Australia.
References edit
- ^ Species Underwoodisaurus milii at The Reptile Database . www.reptile-database.org.
- ^ Beolens, Bo; Watkins, Michael; Grayson, Michael (2011). The Eponym Dictionary of Reptiles. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. xiii + 296 pp. ISBN 978-1-4214-0135-5. (Underwoodisaurus milii, p. 178).
- ^ a b Griffiths, Ken (1987). Reptiles of the Sydney Region. Three Sisters Publications Pty Ltd. p. 63. ISBN 0-9590203-3-0.
- ^ Browne-Cooper, Robert; Bush, Brian; Maryan, Brad; Robinson, David (2007). Reptiles and Frogs in the Bush: Southwestern Australia. University of Western Australia Press. p. 128. ISBN 978-1-920694-74-6.
- ^ Lancaster J, Wilson P, Espinoza RE (2006). "Physiological benefits as precursors of sociality: Why banded geckos band". Animal Behavior 72: 199-207.
Further reading edit
- Bory de Saint-Vincent JB (1823). Dictionnaire Classique d'Histoire Naturelle, Volume 7. Paris: Rey & Gravier. 640 pp. (Phyllurus milii, new species, p. 185). (in French).
- Cogger HG (2014). Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia, Seventh Edition. Clayton, Victoria, Australia: CSIRO Publishing. xxx + 1,033 pp. ISBN 978-0643100350. (Underwoodisaurus milii, p. 283).
- Wilson, Steve; Swan, Gerry (2013). A Complete Guide to Reptiles of Australia, Fourth Edition. Sydney: New Holland Publishers. 522 pp. ISBN 978-1921517280.