Tesselated gecko
A species of Australian ground and stone geckos Scientific name : Diplodactylus tessellatus Genus : Australian ground and stone geckos
Tesselated gecko, A species of Australian ground and stone geckos
Scientific name: Diplodactylus tessellatus
Genus: Australian ground and stone geckos
Content
Description General Info
Description
Diplodactylus tessellatus, commonly known as the tessellated gecko, is a small terriestrial lizard found distributed in inland New South Wales, Queensland, Northern Territory, South Australia and the north western corner of Victoria. The tessellated gecko is one of 26 species in the genus Diplodactylus all of which are confined to continental Australia. A small gecko varying in colour from grey to rich reddish-brown with a highly variable dorsal pattern.
General Info
Lifespan
8-20 years
Diet
Tesselated gecko is primarily insectivorous, consuming a variety of arthropods. Its diet comprises mainly ants, beetles, and spiders. Exceptionally, it may consume soft bodied insects like caterpillars.
Appearance
Tesselated gecko is a small, nocturnal gecko. Its tough, granular skin largely holds a grey tan color, punctuated with intricate tessellation patterns of dark brown and white. Built slender and elongated, its bulbous tail is a standout feature. Males, females, and juveniles largely share the same appearance, maintaining uniformity across all ages and genders.
Behavior
Tesselated gecko has nocturnal tendencies, emerging at night to forage for arthropods and nectar. Notably, this solitary species has a unique anti-predator behavior, freezing in place when threatened. As a territorial line of defense, tesselated gecko uses scent marking, and males engage in occasional aggressive encounters. Remarkably adapted for a desert habitat, it can tolerate dehydration by reducing urination.
Population
Stable
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Australasian geckos Species
Tesselated gecko 
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