Sharp-snouted delma (Delma nasuta)

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Sharp-snouted delma fact file

• Description
• Biology
• Range
• Habitat
• Status
• Threats
• Conservation
• Find out more
• Glossary
• References
• Print factsheet

Sharp-snouted delma description

The sharp-snouted delma (Delma nasuta) is an unusual, snake-like lizard which is named for its particularly long, pointed snout ^{(2) (3) (4)}. Like other Delma species, the sharp-snouted delma lacks front limbs, while its hind limbs are limited to tiny, scaly flaps ^{(2) (4) (5) (6)}. These flaps completely enclose the much-reduced bones of the legs and toes ^{(4) (5)}, and give this and other species in the Pygopodidae family the name ‘flap-footed lizards’ ^{(2) (5)}.

As in other Delma species, the sharp-snouted delma’s tail is longer than its head and body. Although easily broken, the tail can be regenerated ⁽²⁾. Like the geckos to which they are most closely related, Delma species have lidless eyes which are covered by a transparent scale. The sharp-snouted delma is able to keep its eyes clean by wiping them with its wide, flat tongue ^{(2) (5)}.

The sharp-snouted delma’s scales are smooth and shiny ^{(2) (4) (6)}, and its body is brown with dark spots or flecks on the scales, giving a reticulated pattern ^{(2) (3)}. This lizard lacks the dark markings on its head and neck that often characterise related species ^{(2) (4)}. There are not thought to be any significant differences in appearance or size between the male and female sharp-snouted delma ⁽⁴⁾.

Like many members of the Pygopodidae family, the sharp-snouted delma is likely to make a low buzzing or squeaking sound if disturbed ^{(4) (6)}.

Also known as

sharp-snouted legless lizard.

Size

Snout-vent length: up to 11.2 cm ^{(2) (3)}

Total length: up to 44.4 cm ⁽⁴⁾

Sharp-snouted delma biology

Like other Delma species, the sharp-snouted delma is likely to be quite secretive, and to retreat rapidly through thick vegetation if disturbed. If attacked by a predator, the sharp-snouted delma may escape by shedding its tail ⁽²⁾.

The diet of the sharp-snouted delma consists mainly of insects, particularly crickets and grasshoppers ^{(5) (7)}, and it also takes some spiders and other invertebrates ⁽⁷⁾. All members of the Pygopodidae family lay a clutch of two elongated eggs, which have a parchment-like shell ^{(2) (4) (5) (6)}.

Sharp-snouted delma range

The sharp-snouted delma is found only in Australia ^{(1) (2) (4)}, where it is widespread across the more arid regions in the western parts of the continent ⁽⁴⁾. Its range encompasses most of Western Australia, as well as South Australia, southern parts of the Northern Territory, and western Queensland ⁽⁴⁾.

Sharp-snouted delma habitat

As in other members of the Pygopodidae family, the snake-like body form of the sharp-snouted delma is likely to be an adaptation for moving rapidly through low, dense vegetation ⁽⁵⁾. This species is particularly associated with spinifex (Triodia) grasslands, typically in areas with sandy or loamy soil ^{(2) (4)}, such as sand plains and dunes ⁽⁴⁾.

Sharp-snouted delma status

The sharp-snouted delma has yet to be classified by the IUCN.

Sharp-snouted delma threats

There is currently very little information available on the potential threats to the sharp-snouted delma.

Sharp-snouted delma conservation

There are no specific conservation measures currently known to be in place for the sharp-snouted delma. However, it is known to occur on Barrow Island, off the coast of Western Australia, where all reptiles are protected ⁽⁸⁾.

Find out more

Find out more about the conservation of reptiles and other species in Australia:

• Cogger, H.G., Cameron, E.E., Sadlier, R.A. and Eggler, P. (1993) The Action Plan for Australian Reptiles. Australian Nature Conservation Agency, Canberra. Available at:
  http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/publications/action/reptiles/index.html
• Australian Wildlife Conservancy:
  http://www.australianwildlife.org/
• Australian Conservation Foundation:
  http://www.acfonline.org.au/

Authentication

This information is awaiting authentication by a species expert, and will be updated as soon as possible. If you are able to help please contact:
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Glossary

Invertebrates

Animals with no backbone, such as insects, crustaceans, worms, molluscs, spiders, cnidarians (jellyfish, corals, sea anemones) and echinoderms.

Loam

A rich soil containing roughly equal proportions of clay, sand and organic matter.

Reticulated

Marked with a criss-cross or network-like pattern.

References

1. The Reptile Database (November, 2012)
   http://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/search.php
2. Wilson, S. (2005) A Field Guide to Reptiles of Queensland. Reed New Holland, Sydney.
3. Maryan, B., Aplin, K.P. and Adams, M. (2007) Two new species of the Delma tincta group (Squamata: Pygopodidae) from northwestern Australia. Records of the Western Australian Museum, 23: 273-305.
4. Kluge, A.G. (1974) A taxonomic revision of the lizard family Pygopodidae. Miscellaneous Publications, Museum of Zoology, University of Michigan, 147: 1-221.
5. Wilson, S.K. (2012) Australian Lizards: A Natural History. CSIRO Publishing, Collingwood, Australia.
6. Kluge, A.G. (1976) Phylogenetic relationships in the lizard family Pygopodidae: an evaluations of theory, methods and data. Miscellaneous Publications, Museum of Zoology, University of Michigan, 152: 1-72.
7. Patchell, F.C. and Shine, R. (1986) Food habits and reproductive biology of the Australian legless lizards (Pygopodidae). Copeia, 1986(1): 30-39.
8. Moro, D. and MacAulay, I. (2010) A Guide to the Reptiles and Amphibians of Barrow Island. Chevron Australia, Perth. Available at:
   http://www.chevronaustralia.com/environment/protectingenvironment/nature-books.aspx