Northern Pilbara beak-faced gecko
Diplodactylus galaxias
This species was initially discovered through DNA sequence analysis, when it was found to be distinct from D. savagei using DNA sequence data.
Morphology
The species is distinguished from its close relative, D. savagei by the presence of many irregular pale spots. In D. savagei these splotches are quite large and form transverse bars, whereas in D. galaxias they do not.
Evolution
This species was initially discovered through DNA sequence analysis, when it was found to be distinct from D. savagei using DNA sequence data. Many new species of gecko are being discovered using this technique, and then further morphological analysis is done to identify morphological differences. Interestingly, in the same analysis that identified that D. savagei was also comprised of two deeply divergent clades, however morphological characters could not be found that could be used to distinguish them.
Habitat
Terrestrial
Associated with rocky habitats, such as outcrops and stony hills.
Distribution
North-western Pilbara.
Kingdom: | Animalia |
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Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Reptilia |
Order: | Squamata |
Suborder: | Saurina |
Family: | Diplodactylidae |
Genus: | Diplodactylus |
Species: | galaxias |
Name Published Year: | 2010 |
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Rank: | species |
Scientific Name Authorship: | Doughty, Pepper & Keogh |
Commercial Impact: | None |
Conservation Assessment: | Least Concern |
Cite this page
Western Australian Museum Collections https://museum.wa.gov.au/online-collections/names/diplodactylus-galaxias
Accessed 13 Aug 2024
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