Marbled Velvet Gecko
Scientific Name
Oedura marmorata
Conservation Status
This species is listed as Least Concern by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature
This animal can visit your location for a presentation.
This animal is used for Wilbur’s Wildlife event displays.
This animal is on show during private zoo tours.
Our Animals
Wilbur’s Wildlife is home to a 9 year old marbled velvet gecko known as Fidget. Arriving at 7 years old in 2017, Fidget has gone from being very ‘fidgety’ as his name suggests to being a calm and reliable member of our team who adapts well to all situations.
Appearance
Adult marbled velvet geckoes are coloured a deep purple colour. This is patterned with stripes and spots of yellow. The underside is white.
Their toes feature pads which they can use to climb smooth surfaces such as rocks, logs and glass.
They have an average snout to vent length of 11cm.
Lifespan
One captive individual has lived to be 21 years’ old. Wild lifespan is likely to be less than this but has not been studied sufficiently to determine.
Diet
Marbled Velvet Geckoes are carnivores. They primarily feed on insects but may also eat small reptiles.
Habitat
The marbled velvet gecko is found across South Australia, the Northern Territory, Western Australia, Queensland and New South Wales.
They make their home in woodlands, grassland and shrubland.
Reproduction
Breeding takes place between September and March.
The female will lay 2 eggs in a hole which she digs in the ground. Eggs are visible through the female’s stomach prior to the birth. The female can lay another clutch between 4 and 8 weeks after the last one.
Eggs incubate for between 69 and 97 days. Hatchlings are born small with a purple body which is striped with bright yellow bands.
Behaviour
Marbled velvet geckoes are primarily nocturnal.
They are arboreal and spend the majority of their time above the ground on rocks or up trees.
Geckoes lack eyelids and as a result they use their long tongue to clean their eyeball. The eyes can retract slightly in to their head so they can go to sleep.
When threatened they can drop their tail. This allows the predator to run off with the tail keeping the gecko safe. It may take up to 6 months for their tail to grow back.
Threats
No major threats are currently present to the population of marbled velvet geckoes. They have a wide range some of which is in conservation zones.
How you can help
If you choose to keep a marbled velvet gecko as a pet seek out a breeder who can sell you a captive bred individual. This will ensure that these animals are not removed from the wild. This will also provide you with a healthier pet.
Quick Facts
Their scientific name is oedura mamorata. Oedura means ‘swollen tail’ and marmorata means ‘marbled’.
References
(2018). Marbled velvet gecko (Oedura marmorata) longevity, ageing, and life history. [online] Available at: http://genomics.senescence.info/species/entry.php?species=Oedura_marmorata [Accessed 9 Jul. 2018].
(2018). Oedura marmorata : Marbled Velvet Gecko | Atlas of Living Australia. [online] Bie.ala.org.au. Available at: https://bie.ala.org.au/species/urn:lsid:biodiversity.org.au:afd.taxon:e87e7fdb-acb4-4008-aed4-efdc5f5328a3 [Accessed 9 Jul. 2018].
Gillespie, G., Fenner, A., Greenlees, M., McDonald, P. & Woinarski, J. 2018. Oedura marmorata. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T102682555A102683282. Downloaded on 09 July 2018.
Swanson, S. (2014). Field Guide to Australian Reptiles. New South Wales. Pascal Press.
Brown, D. (2012). A guide to… Australian geckoes & pygopods in captivity. Queensland. Reptile Publications.
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