Heteronotia binoei
| Heteronotia binoei | |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Subphylum: | Vertebrata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Sauria |
| Infraorder: | Gekkota |
| Family: | Gekkonidae |
| Subfamily: | Gekkoninae |
| Genus: | Heteronotia |
| Species: | H. binoei |
| Binomial name | |
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Heteronotia binoei (Gray, 1845) |
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| Synonyms | |
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Heteronotia binoei, commonly known as Bynoe's gecko, is a species of lizard endemic to Australia. One of Australia's least habitat-specific geckos, it occurs naturally across much of the country, and has also established in areas where it does not occur naturally, such as urban Perth, Western Australia. It is dark brown to reddish brown, depending on the colour of the ground upon which it lives. There are irregular light bands with dark edges along its back.
It is one of a small number of vertebrate species that are known to reproduce by parthenogenesis.
The specific name, binoei, is in honor of British naturalist Benjamin Bynoe (1804-1865), who was a naval surgeon aboard HMS Beagle with Charles Darwin.
The Bynoe's gecko is a slender, long-tailed species which may grow to a total length (including tail) of 11–12 cm (4.3–4.7 in). They are covered with small scales which appear to be rough, but are soft to touch. They have slim toes which end with strong claws but unlike many other gecko species, they do not have expandable toe pads. They have a large head and eyes, with eyes lacking eyelids but being covered with transparent scales. To keep eyes clean, it wipes dirt and dust from the lenses with its tongue. They are covered with small spine like ridges which run down the length of their back, giving them their alternative name "prickly gecko". Colours include yellow, cream, beige, black and white with most carrying at least 2 of these colours. Stripes, speckles, spots or blotches may cover the gecko. They usually have an indication of a dark temporal streak and another dark streak along the canthus rostralis. Their lips are whitish and usually lightly fleckled with a darkish brown.
Like many species of gecko, a wide array of calls can be made with its well-developed vocal chords.
The Bynoe's gecko is found in all mainland Australia's states, except the ACT. They are endemic to Australia and are not found in humid parts of the southeast and southwest. It also inhabits many islands off the west coast and has large populations on Barrow Island.
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Wikipedia