Diplodactylus galeatus sexing opinions

[sciteacher]

First a little background. A couple of years ago I bought some Diplodactylus galeatus from a reputable breeder at a show. Two juveniles were sold to me as probable females, and one slightly older one was sold to me as a male. I raised the 2 "females" together in one tub, and the male in a separate tub. The male had a distinctly different look... leaner build and a noticeable bulge. The "females" looked identical to each other, and quite different from the male... shorter, thicker tails, and no noticeable bulge. Late last summer I found several dried out, dud eggs in the tub with the females when cleaning. I cooled them and then placed them together this spring, hoping for eggs. One of the females passed away unexpectedly in mid-summer. I didn't get any eggs.

Someone has offered the opinion that my remaining "female" may be a male with a reduced bulge, due to the presence of some slightly enlarged spur scales. Upon closer inspection of these pictures, I'm inclined to believe that I have 2 males. These were the first, and only members of the Diplodactylus genus I've worked with, so I'm no expert with them. I've never witnessed any signs of aggression between any of them (I don't know if males of this species are routinely aggressive towards each other or not). This species has become so hard to find in recent years. It would be very disappointing to find that these are both males. What do you think?


Male side view:

"Female" side view:

Male ventral view:

"Female" ventral view:

 

[sune jensen]

I'm 99% sure you have a pair. Females of galeabtus, vittatus and byrnei can have big 'bulges' especially after hybernation when the hormons 'kick in'. The difference is that the meles' 'bulges' are divided in two whereas the females' are just round. Easier to see when you have the animal in hand. Also moving the tail a bit around while holding the animal should make the difference quite clear.

Sune

Ps not speculation:used to keep and breed these in relatively large numbers

 

[sciteacher]

Thank you very much for the reply. It's always nice to get the opinion of someone with first hand experience. This confirms what I was told by another very knowledgeable breeder whom I trust. I had actually just recently sold them as a pair to someone who received them and felt that I had sent him 2 males. I didn't feel qualified to argue against his claim, so I refunded his money. They are now on their way to someone else who I hope has more success getting them to breed than I had. I still think these are one of the more attractive gecko species. Perhaps I'll give them a try again one day.