Tympanocryptis intima

The Gibber earless dragon (Tympanocryptis intima), also known as the smooth-snouted earless dragon, is a species of agamid lizard endemic to Australia. It is one of 15 documented species of the genus Tympanocryptis, a group of small terrestrial lizards that feed off invertebrates and are characterised by the absence of an external ear structure. [1]

Gibber earless dragon

Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Iguania
Family: Agamidae
Genus: Tympanocryptis
Species:
T. intima
Binomial name
Tympanocryptis intima
Mitchell, 1948

Description

Adults of this species have an average snout-vent length (SVL) of 50mm, with a total body length of 110mm. Individuals in this species can range in colour from pale yellowish brown to brick red and often present with pale banding across the body and darker banding along the length of the tail. [2] The head is rounded with predominately smooth or slightly rugose scales. Scales on the body less smooth and interspersed with larger spinose scales. The ventral surface is pale-cream to white in colour peppered by dark brown or black spots. [3] This pale ventral side allows for greater thermal-regulation in extreme temperatures. The evolution of the Gibber Earless Dragon has culminated in the development cryptic colouration in order to remain unseen by predators in its natural environment.

Taxonomy

The genus Tympanocryptis was first described in 1863 by German naturalist Professor Wilhelm Peters. [1] Further major revisions of the genus have occurred since, with the species Tympanocryptis intima being described in 1948 by Francis Mitchell of the South Australian Museum. [4]

Distribution and habitat

This species is known to inhabit parts of the Eyrean Basin, an inland drainage basin covering an area of 1,200,000 square kilometres. The distribution area of the Gibber Earless Dragon is within the arid interior region of north-eastern South Australia and the adjoining states of New South Wales and Queensland and the Northern Territory.[5] Within this region, it inhabits the open gibber deserts and spinifex flats.[4] The Gibber Earless Dragon will stay close to their burrow system, perching itself on a rock or structure nearby, being able to quickly retreat when sensing danger. [3]

Reproduction

Females of this species lay a mean of approximately eight eggs per clutch.

Etymology

The genus name Tympanocryptis refers to the features of the species while the species name is related to the distribution. The etymology of the name is listed below.

Tympano - From the word tympanum. Zoology: The tympanic membrane or eardrum

Cryptis - From the word cryptic. Zoology: (of coloration or markings) serving to camouflage an animal in its natural environment.

Intima: 'innermost', referring to the inland distribution.

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References
  1. Cogger, H.G. (2014). Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia. Collingwood: CSIRO Publishing. p. 755.
  2. Wilson, S and Swan, G. (2005). A Complete Guide to Reptiles of Australia. Frenchs Forest: New Holland Publishers. pp. 334. ISBN 1 876334 72 X.CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  3. Swanson, S. (2007). Field Guide to Australian Reptiles. Archerfield: Steve Parish Publishing. p. 112. ISBN 9781740217446.
  4. Mitchell, F.J. (1948). "A revision of the Lacertilian genus Tympanocryptis". Records of the South Australian Museum. 9: 57–86.
  5. Cogger, H.G. (2014). Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia. Collingwood: CSIRO Publishing. p. 758.
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