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The genus Saltuarius |
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In 1993, some species previously incorporated into the genus Phyllurus wree established as a new genus (Saltuarius) by P. J. Couper, J. A. Covacevich & C. Moritz. The respective taxa are Saltuarius cornutus, Saltuarius occultus, Saltuarius salebrosus and Saltuarius swaini. |
| In 1997, the species Saltuarius occultus was assigned to a new genus, Orraya, by P. J. Couper, C. J. Schneider, C. J. Hoskin & J. A. Covacevich. The said authors also describe various new Phyllurus species in the respective publication. |
| In 2000, P. J. Couper, C. J. Schneider & J. A. Covacevich described the species Saltuarius wyberba. |
The above-mentioned species invariably inhabit Australia's eastern coastal region [ cf. the distribution map ]. This region bears a vegetation composed of rainforests and dry Eucalyptus forests.Whereas Saltuarius cornutus and Saltuarius swaini are arboricole geckos, the remaining species live on rocky outcrops. The all absolutely need a high level of relative air humidity. The species from southern regions must be hibernated for several months at temperatures varying between 8°C and 15°C. In the said regions, temperatures are known to drop below 0°C during the southern winter. |
These species invariably lay soft-shelled eggs which are buried in humid substrates. |
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The two new species ('spec.' 1-2) have been discovered only very recentls so that they have not yet been described scientifically. |
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| [ Saltuarius cornutus ] | [ Saltuarius salebrosus ] | [ Saltuarius swaini ] |
| [ Saltuarius wyberba ] | [ Saltuarius spec. 1 ] | [ Saltuarius spec. 2 ] |
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