Significance to Humans:
Harmless
General description:
Uniform grey or brown above, reddish brown on flanks, white underneath with some individuals with barring on the lips. Head darker than body; black in juveniles with the sides of neck and face blotched with dark markings.
Distinguished from snake by:
• Presence of movable eyelids
• Fleshy tongue (not forked)
• Vestigial hind limb flaps present
• Ear openings
Average length:
120mm snout-vent length. Tail can be about 3 times length of body.
Habitat in SE Qld:
Inhabitant of ground debris and leaf-litter in heaths, dry sclerophyll forests and savannah woodlands.
General habits:
Due to its cryptic nature and nocturnal movement the Common Delma is not often seen.
Diet:
Feeds on small ground dwelling insects.
Local distribution:
Expected to be widespread in suburbs with preferred dry vegetative structure.
Around the home:
Due to its cryptic nature and nocturnal movement the Common Delma is not often seen. Most records are from individuals uncovered in under ground debris such as timber and discarded rubbish.