AUSTRALIAN BIODIVERSITY RECORD - Calodema

Australian Biodiversity Record, 2009 (3): 1-96
found living on large old Melaleuca trees (Paper-barks) isolated as small groves in rural lands
of western Sydney. Some significant features of this species' morphology are: body scales
smooth and shiny, in 26-34 rows at mid-body; paravertebrals 61-69; parietals in contact
behind the interparietal; prefrontals usually separated or in point contact; supranasals absent;
nasals separated; supraoculars 4; 0-4 (usually 2) transversely enlarged nuchals; upper
secondary temporal overlaps lower; ear-opening present and conspicuous, and larger than
nasal scale; ear lobules absent; lower eyelid movable and scaly; 7 supralabials (usually;
postmental contacting two infralabials on each side; well-developed pentadactyl limbs, that
overlap when adpressed; hind limbs significantly longer than forelimbs; 4th toe much longer
than 3rd; subdigital lamellae beneath 4th toe smooth or bluntly keeled - 19-27, and divided
basally. Presacral vertebrae 26; premaxillary teeth 7-9 (usually 9). Attains a maximum total
length of around 170 mm. and a snout-vent length of about 85 mm.
Distribution: Known only from eastern Australia, from the Eungella region in central eastern
Queensland, south through south-eastern Qld and along the New South Wales ranges and
some coastal areas to about Bega (including the coastal part of the Australian Capital
Territory around Jervis Bay). Extends well into parts of inland New South Wales as scattered
isolated populations to as far west as the Warrumbungle Ranges. Also occurs on Holbourne
Island and Lady Elliott Island off the coast of Qld.
Habitat: In the temperate parts of its range, this species inhabits a range of woodland, dry and
wet sclerophyll forest as well as rainforest habitats, rock outcrops, including various disturbed
conditions, such as farmland, roadside verges and buildings of urban areas. In the northern
subtropical part of the range, it inhabits more mesic densely forested conditions.
Biology/Ecology: This is a both a diurnal or crepuscular species that is usually arboreal or
rock-dwelling in habits, and may be found sheltering in cracks of tree trunks, under loose bark
and in hollow limbs, of both dead and living trees. I have observed specimens active and
basking 5-6 metres up on living tree branches and tree trunks with cracks and hollows. During
hot summer weather it can become nocturnal in habitats (evening) and in urban areas it has
been observed active at night on brick or concrete walls around outside lights preying on
attracted insects. In natural habitats, it is usually found on the ground beneath or inside rotting
logs, or in rock crevices along ridgelines. In the older urban environments it commonly
inhabits cracks of brick or stone walls of buildings, walls and fences. Most basking occurs
during the early morning or late afternoon during summer as the middle of the day is usually
just too hot for this species. It tends to a rather shy or secretive species in behaviour, rapidly
seeking shelter at even the slightest approach of a potential predator. Favoured conditions for
activity are humid, cloudy days rather than bright sunshine, but during the early spring this
species may be seen in the open for long periods during the day. Small groups of mature and
juvenile specimens appear to occupy sites in close association with one another - such as on
larger, old growth trees. Adults appear to fight with one another though, biting vigorously and
twisting themselves over each other until one releases its grip. There appears to be some sort
of social structure to these groups, but little else is known. During seasons of activity, the
lizard’s constant use of hollow logs or tree cracks forms a secure retreat from most predators,
however, the main over wintering sites (May-July) are inside the rotting interiors of hollow logs
and tree trunks also, but during this period termite activity has been observed to on occasions
permanently entomb the lizards while they hibernate. This species is ovoviviparous, giving
birth to 3 to 7 young (usually 5 or 6) in a brood during early to late summer depending on
location (southern populations give birth in late Summer). It feeds mainly on small
invertebrates, although under captive conditions they are known to attack and consume small
skinks (Lampropholis). Known natural predators are the Small-eyed Snake (Cryptophis
nigrescens). However, domestic cats are known to prey on the species in the urban
environment.
Survival Status: Protected under the New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Act (1974)
but not listed in that State as a Threatened Species in any of the Schedules of the NSW
Threatened Species Conservation Act (1995). Also protected under the Qld Nature
Conservation Act (1992) [see also the Qld Nature Conservation (Wildlife) Regulation Act
(1994)] and the ACT Nature Conservation Act (1980). Regarded as common.
Etymology: The name 'tenuis' means 'slender', and refers to the body-form of the species.
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