Roma earless dragon (Tympanocryptis wilsoni) is a small to medium-sized species of Tympanocryptis that has a well-developed ventral and lateral body patterning, made up of numerous brown-black speckling.
The ventral patterning on the body of this reptile is concentrated on its head, throat, and chest, then extends posteriorly toward the lateral portions of the lizard’s belly.
Heavy brown-black specklings are lining the sides of the lizard, but there is an absence of a white lateral stripe.
Lateral and ventral patterning of black-brown coloration is more than white.
Scientific classification
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Reptilia
- Order: Squamata
- Suborder: Iguania
- Family: Agamidae
- Subfamily: Amphibolurinae
- Genus: Tympanocryptis
The Roma earless dragon is a member of the genus Tympanocryptis. All lizards belonging to this genus have the following similar characteristics: The body is depressed, the tympanum is hidden, and it is covered posteriorly with various scales.
These lizards remain unique as they have no dorsal crest, and no gular sac but have a strong transverse gular fold.
The tail of the Roma earless dragon and others like it is round in cross-section.
One way to tell the difference between the male and female sometimes is the presence of a preanal pore on each side of the male, which sometimes is absent in the females.
In many species of this lizard, there are no femoral pores, with only the Tympanocryptis tetraporophora as an exception.
Etymology
This lizard was named in recognition of Steve Wilson’s contributions to Australian herpetology, more particularly his direct contribution to the study of the diversity of Tympanocryptis in Queensland.
Luckily, Steve Wilson discovered this new reptile species during a survey, made provision for in-life photographs, and collected the only voucher specimens.
Feeding
These reptiles are suspected to feed on insects like ants, flies, termites, and other smaller bugs.
Not so much is known about their feeding habits as they were only recently discovered and are still being studied.
Distribution
Australia (Queensland: close to the town of Roma: which from Hodgson is approximately 20 km west of Mt Abundance, almost 50 km south-west of Roma)
Habitat
These reptiles are currently known to live in grasslands on sloping terrains.
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