AnAge entry for Sphenodon punctatus

Classification (HAGRID: 02898)

Taxonomy: Kingdom: Animalia
    Phylum: Chordata
        Class: Reptilia (Taxon entry)
            Order: Rhynchocephalia
                Family: Sphenodontidae
                    Genus: Sphenodon
Species: Sphenodon punctatus
Common name: Tuatara
Synonyms: Sphenodon guntheri, Sphenodon punctatus reischeki

Maximum longevity: 90 years (captivity)
Source: ref. 451
Sample size: Medium
Data quality: Acceptable
Observations: Tuataras are the only living descendents from the Rhynchocephalia order and thus have no closely-related species. They are found only in New Zealand. Even though tuataras rarely exceed one kilogram in weight, they are long-lived, attaining sexual maturity after 10-20 years and growing until they are 35-40 years. They probably live over 100 years [0527]. There is an anecdote of a male tuatara at the Southland Museum and Art Gallery first breeding when 111 years of age, but the age of this specimen is unverified. Tuataras appear to have a low optimal body temperature in comparison with other reptiles.

: No information is available on life history. Please contact us if you wish to suggest or contribute data.

[0037] Gillooly et al. (2001), Effects of size and temperature on metabolic rate (PubMed)
[0527] Castanet (1994), Age estimation and longevity in reptiles (PubMed)
[0451] Frank & Kate's Web Page