Collared delma
| Collared delma | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Family: | Pygopodidae |
| Genus: | Delma |
| Species: | D. torquata
|
| Binomial name | |
| Delma torquata Kluge, 1974
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| |
The collared delma or adorned delma (Delma torquata) is a species of lizard in the Pygopodidae family endemic to Australia.
Physical Appearance
The colour/complexion of the Collared Delma changes between it's tail, body and head, having a "bluish/grey tinge", with its body being brown while its head is black with cream/yellow ringed interspaces. [2] These cream coloured rings are a distinctive feature of the Collared Delma and usually have one around it's head and two to three rings around it's neck. [2] In terms of size, the snout to vent length of a Collared Delma can range from 50mm to about 70mm, with its tail length can range from 103mm to 126mm and having an average weight of around 1.36kg.
taxonomy
Discovery and Naming
Etymology
Distribution & Habitat
Distribution
The Collared Delma is mostly located in the areas of south-east Queensland but however they have been recorded to also have a population within Northern New South Wales. Due to the vulnerability of the Collared Delma, its distribution across Queensland is highly fragmented and only found in specific areas of south-east Queensland; these fragmented habitats are extremely restricted and span only an area to approxiamtely 100m x 100m. These areas include The Bunya Mountains, Blackdown Tablelands National Park, Expedition National Park, Western Creek, near Millmerran and Toowoomba Range. There have also been recorded large concentrations of the Collared Delma located in Western Brisbane suburbs, which include Kenmore, Pinjarra Hills, Anstead, Mt Crosby, Lake Manchester, Lake Manchester and Karana Downs.
Habitat
Within the Queensland region, The collared Delma are mainly inhabitants of eucalyptic and acacia heave woodlands and open forests. They have been found to prefer inhabiting west facing ridge-lines, within the midstory area of open forests under a layer of fallen leaves and loose rock.
Canopy
The species of canopy the Collared Delma reside under also differ based on different area of its distribution. Within the Eastern areas of it's distribution, the species of canopy that the Collared Delma inhabit are Silver-leaved Ironbark, Moreton Bay Ash, Gum Top Box, Tallowwood and Queensland Blue Gum. In the areas west of Brisbane, the the canopy comprise of Red Ash and Different Wattles such as Brisbane Wattle and the Hickory Wattle.
Soil
There is no specific type of soil the Collared Delma reside in, they have been found to inhabit, sandy loams, grey and black cracking clays, stony lithsols and basalt derived Podzolics.
Microhabitat
Ecology & Behaviour
breeding/Reproduction
All lizards of the Pygopodidae family like the Collard Delma have a breeding season in the Australian summer, producing two eggs during December which hatch late February to early March.
Diet
The Collared Delma is purely an insectivorous, feeding small cockroaches and spiders.
behaviour
Conservation
Endangered Species
Conservation Efforts
References
- ^ Sanderson, C.; Wilson, S.; Venz, M.; Hobson, R. (2018). "Delma torquata". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2018. Retrieved 4 August 2018.
- ^ a b Lee.L Curtis (2014). "Queensland's Threatened Animals". CSIRO Publishing: 218.
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