The species has a curious distribution, with a southern population extending from the Eyre Peninsula west to the Perth region in WA, and a disjunct population in north-western Qld.

There are 42 species in Australia, with some only known from single specimens.  Their hidden lifestyles make the Blind Snakes among the most poorly-known vertebrates in Australia. 

When held, these snakes frequently cover themselves in a very nasty-smelling secretion which can stay on your hands for some time.

This species was formerly known as Diplodactylus damaeus, but recent nomenclature changes have placed it in the genus Lucasium.

When 'rescued' from pitfall traps they can be quite excitable, putting up a vigorous struggle and not being afraid to bite!  Ordinarily they live in spinifex hummocks, emerging briefly to catch insect prey.

The dorsal pattern of the lizard varies regionally, with eastern lizards having many more stripes.  In South Australia the colouration and pattern of this lizard is rather unique and it is not easily confused with other small Ctenotus.

The absence of blotches makes this lizard instantly recognisable (if you can get a good view!).  Sadly this lizard was a bit of a wriggler, which made my one-handed photography efforts rather poor!  Like all Ctenotus, they are built for running very fast to escape predators, and don't enjoy being grabbed by people!

On the Eyre Peninsula  seven species are found (including L.bougainvillii, which is also found in the Adelaide Hills), and this one is either distinguenda or taeniata.  I've based my identification on the two broken dorsal stripes and greyish-brown rather than reddish-brown colour, but it's hard to be absolutely sure from these photos. 

Like all Leristas in my experience, they are pretty feisty and don't just sit in your hand and offer themselves for close examination!

C.fordi is an annual species in some places, with all adults dying in the autumn, and a totally new population emerging from eggs the following spring. 

Nationally, it is a fairly widespread species of southern arid and semi-arid regions from Western Australia to western NSW and Qld.

I managed to get these close-up photos because the cold lizard had just been released from an overnight stay in a canvas bag (notice the curled-up front toes) following its retrieval from a pitfall trap the day before.  Once it warmed up, it wasted no time in making a hasty escape!

Diplodactylus calcicolus is found along the south coast of Western Australia, and as far west as the Murray River mouth in South Australia.  As its Latin name suggests, it is a lizard of coastal limestone habitats. 

Like other geckoes its dorsal pattern is rather variable, and perhaps the most distinctive feature of this species is that it has a rather indistinct pattern, unlike the other Diplodactylus species found in its range. 

Thanks to Mark Hutchinson for identifying the 'new' species for me!

Like many Aprasias, this species has a limited geographical range and is found in mallee regions of SA, with small populations in far western NSW and a disjunct population in eastern WA.

Amphibolurus is a small genus of Australian dragons, with just seven species.  Four are found in South Australia, but none are widespread,with two just entering the far northern corners of the state, and three - this species and the Nobbi Dragon and Jacky Lizard being found further south. 

A.norrisi is a specialist of southern mallee areas of coastal South Australia and adjacent states.

Like other blind snakes, they don't bite, and holding one is rather like holding a large, dry worm.  Also like all blind snakes, their tail ends in a short spine which they use to gain a 'tailhold' when burrowing (see second photo on the left), which you will also discover if you hold one!

Although it looks very similar to drab individuals of the Tawny Dragon, it is the only dragon of the C.decresii species-group within its range.  Like the Tawny Dragon, this species basks conspicuously on rock outcrops where it can survey its territory.  The eroded limestone cliffs of Lincoln NP provide a perfect habitat, where the lizards can dash into the many crevices when danger approaches.

Sadly this snake was killed not long before I came across it - hardly suprising given the speed that people drive their 4WDs along the dirt roads in Lincoln National Park (despite the signs to slow down for wildlife).