REPRODUCTIVE AND DIETARY BIOLOGY OF NEPHRURUS AND UNDERWOODISAURUS (GEKKONIDAE) IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA

WA Museum Records and Supplements | Updated 1 decade ago

Abstract: Six species of Nephrurus and Underwoodisaurus milli are found in Western Australia and adjacent areas of adjoining states. Dissection of I 163 specimens of the seven species provided data on size and maturity, sex dimorphism, seasonal reproductive pattern and diet. Adult females were larger than adult males in all seven species. however. in Nephrurus spp. this difference (around 20 percent) was the largest recorded in geckos. Sexual maturity in male Nephrurus spp. was attained at between 82-89 percent of the size of females at maturity, and at 92 percent in U. milli. Sex ratio amongst adults was near parity. Vitellogenesis and spermatogensis in Nephrurus spp. can probably occur in any month under favourable environmental conditions. but in U. milli male gonads increase in size over winter and vitellogenesis, ovulation and oviposition are focussed In spring and summer. Sequential clutches were recorded for all species. Diet is primarily arthropods but some larger Nephrurus spp eat smaller geckos. Species occupying sandy substrates have the most similar diets.