Crowned Gecko
Scientific Name: Lucasium stenodactylum
Size: 55 mm (Snout Vent Length)
What does it look like?
The Crowned Gecko is variable, but generally pinkish brown to reddish brown above, normally with a pale vertebral stripe from the nape to the base of the tail, often commencing as separate stripes that pass through each eye from the snout, and meet at the nape. Sides, legs and tail with variable small pale spots, and sides occasionally with an obscure pale stripe. Underparts whitish. Identify from the Beaded Gecko L. damaeum.
Where is it found?
North-western and southern central Australia, from the north-west coast of WA and northern NT, south to western Qld, north-western NSW and central SA.
What are its habitats & habits?
The Crowned Gecko, or Sand-plain Gecko, inhabits arid to semi-arid grassy woodlands, shrublands and sandy and stony deserts. Terrestrial and mostly nocturnal, sheltering during the day in small disused burrows, emerging at dusk to forage for small invertebrates, including termites, spiders, crickets and beetles. Oviparous, laying 1 or 2 parchment-shelled eggs in a clutch.
This species features in my book A Naturalist’s Guide to the Reptiles of Australia
