Oedura is a genus

Genus

In biology, a genus is a low-level taxonomic rank used in the biological classification of living and fossil organisms, which is an example of definition by genus and differentia...

 of medium to large geckos (Gekkonidae) found in Australia

Australia

Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...

. They are referred to by the common name

Common name

A common name of a taxon or organism is a name in general use within a community; it is often contrasted with the scientific name for the same organism...

 Velvet geckos. Most of the species

Species

In biology, a species is one of the basic units of biological classification and a taxonomic rank. A species is often defined as a group of organisms capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring. While in many cases this definition is adequate, more precise or differing measures are...

 occur in the Eastern States, with several others that are found in Western Australia

Western Australia

Western Australia is a state of Australia, occupying the entire western third of the Australian continent. It is bounded by the Indian Ocean to the north and west, the Great Australian Bight and Indian Ocean to the south, the Northern Territory to the north-east and South Australia to the south-east...

.

They are mostly arboreal and nocturnal, and have flattened bodies that are distinctly patterned. They are secretive tree or rock dwellers, usually concealing themselves beneath peeling bark or in cracks and crevices. A species found in the Kimberley region, Oedura filicipoda, is named for the plumose fringing on the toes that may assist in clinging to rocky overhangs. All species are adapted to their dry conditions and can go for months without food or water.

Diversity

The type species for the genus is Oedura marmorata, first described by John Edward Gray

John Edward Gray

John Edward Gray, FRS was a British zoologist. He was the elder brother of George Robert Gray and son of the pharmacologist and botanist Samuel Frederick Gray ....

 in 1842. The following is a list of species:

• Oedura castelnaui, Northern Velvet Gecko
• Oedura coggeri, Northern Spotted Velvet Gecko
• Oedura filicipoda, Fringe-toed Velvet Gecko
• Oedura gemmata, Jewelled Velvet Gecko
• Oedura gracilis, Gracile Velvet Gecko
• Oedura jacovae Cooper, Keim & Hoskin (2007)
• Oedura jowalbinna Hoskin & Higgie, 2008
• Oedura lesueurii
  Oedura lesueurii
  Oedura lesueurii, known as Lesueur's Gecko is a small gecko in the genus Oedura found near the eastern coastline of New South Wales and Queensland. It is a mottled grey colour. Although it is perhaps the most common gecko in the Sydney region, it is rarely observed unless it is disturbed...
  
  , Lesueur's Velvet Gecko
• Oedura marmorata, Marbled Velvet Gecko
• Oedura monilis, Ocellated Velvet Gecko
• Oedura obscura, Slim Velvet Gecko
• Oedura ocellata, Ocellated Velvet Gecko
• Oedura reticulata, Reticulated Velvet Gecko
• Oedura rhombifer
  Oedura rhombifer
  Oedura rombifer also known as the Zigzag Velvet Gecko is a species of gecko. Only 3 specimens have been discovered in New South Wales, Australia.-Description:...
  
  , Zigzag Velvet Gecko
• Oedura robusta, Robust Velvet Gecko
• Oedura tryoni, Southern Spotted Velvet Gecko