R. ornata

[Nephrurus]

Rhynchoedura ornata

Found all over the place in Australia, usually in sand dune habitats. From what I've heard they are largely termite specialists (a friend checked the gut contents of 30 or so individuals from the Simpson Desert). They have a slight knob at the end of their tail... has anyone who keeps this species seen it wiggled/tapped etc on the sand/substrate? I've never kept them but often wondered about it's function.

All the best,
-H

 

[MiCh@3L]

Great animals, Henry. Unfortunately they are specialised in termites and therefore never available in the hobby

 

[Nephrurus]

and therefore never available in the hobby

Really? I thought they were available in Europe and the US.

-H

 

[Ken Bartenfeld]

I have heard of them out of Australia. I just forgot who said they kept them.

 

[geckodan]

Rhynchoedura ornata

Found all over the place in Australia, usually in sand dune habitats. From what I've heard they are largely termite specialists (a friend checked the gut contents of 30 or so individuals from the Simpson Desert). They have a slight knob at the end of their tail... has anyone who keeps this species seen it wiggled/tapped etc on the sand/substrate? I've never kept them but often wondered about it's function.
All the best,
-H

I have never seen mine use it for any particular purpose , in fact they are one of the slowest most precise feeders I have. They sit at the edge of the termite bowl and individually pick up each termite gently (no lunging at food items ) . I'll watch in future and see if the tail does anything else.

 

[Nephrurus]

I have never seen mine use it for any particular purpose , in fact they are one of the slowest most precise feeders I have. They sit at the edge of the termite bowl and individually pick up each termite gently (no lunging at food items ) . I'll watch in future and see if the tail does anything else.

It's interesting you say that they are precise feeders. I have heard one story of them "luring" termites from their burrows with a tapping of either their chest or tail (i can't remember which). it's completely unsubstantiated though... If i can find a reference i'll post it.
The slow/precise feeding response may be because the termite is slowly emerging from the burrow, and may quickly retreat! they have to get it right the first time!

-H

 

[geckodan]

I

have heard one story of them "luring" termites from their burrows with a tapping of either their chest or tail (i can't remember which). it's completely unsubstantiated though... If i can find a reference i'll post it.

Thats interesting. I don't know if you spend a lot of time looking at termites but they head tap the ground when you irritate them presumably to assemble the masses in defense. Maybe Ryhchies mimic this to get the food to come to them. Clever little buggers.