The lizards from the Stony Plains region were subtly yet distinctly different. Researchers soon realized they’d discovered a new species: Diplodactylus fyfei, or Fyfe’s mesa gecko.

Zootaxa shared a photo of the new species in a Feb. 3 post on X, formerly known as Twitter. The brown, blotchy gecko blends in with the surrounding rock and looks relatively smooth.

Zootaxa shared a photo of the new species in a Feb. 3 post on X, formerly known as Twitter. The brown, blotchy gecko blends in with the surrounding rock and looks relatively smooth.

Scientists found a “robust” creature with porthole-like spots in a desert of Australia and discovered a new species, a study said. Photo from Peter McDonald via McDonald, Fenner, Torkkola and ...

Scientists found a “robust” creature with an “ambush predation” style in a desert of Australia and discovered a new species, a study said. Photo from Peter McDonald via McDonald, Fenner ...

Scientists found a “robust” creature with an “ambush predation” style in a desert of Australia and discovered a new species, a study said. Photo from Peter McDonald via McDonald, Fenner ...