AROD > Reptiles / Rhynchocephalia / Sphenodontidae / Sphenodon
Tuataras
Sphenodon
- Gray, 1831
| Pronunciation: | SFEN-oh-don | |||||||||||||||
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| Etymology: | 'wedge-tooth' | |||||||||||||||
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Taxonomic notes: |
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| Notes: | The common name comes from the Maori language. tua = back, tara = spine. | |||||||||||||||
| Statistics: |
Reproductive modes:
Oviparous - 2 out of 2 Australian species Size range: Smallest Australian species: Brothers Island tuatara (Sphenodon guntheri) at 60 cm Longest Australian species: northern tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus) at up to 61 cm |
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| Number of Australian species: | 2 | |||||||||||||||
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