Nephrurus

Pernatty Knob-tailed Gecko

Nephrurus deleani

Distribution: Sandy ridges of Pernatty Lagoon

Description: A medium-sized gecko with a bulbous tail that tapers into a knob. Pattern can range from striped, to speckled, to a combination of the two. Colors include various hues of orange, purple, yellow, and brown. No two individuals are alike making them very unique!

Pale Knob-tailed Gecko

Nephrurus laevissimus

Distribution: Sandy ridges of southern & western Australia

Description: The smallest and smoothest of the genus. Chocolate brown blotches are usually found behind the head and along the hips. Typical coloration is shades of pink although orange and yellow specimens are also found. Many appear translucent at night!

Smooth Knob-tailed Gecko

Nephrurus levis levis

Distribution: Widespread throughout mainland Australia

Description: Most common of the levis complex. Three light bands are found across the neck. Here at SBR, we have been selectively breeding various lineages for large fan-shaped tails, robust bodies, and high red coloration. We also work with the spectacular, striped variant.

Western Smooth Knob-tailed Gecko

Nephrurus levis occidentalis

Distribution: Arid area of the Mid-West Coast

Description: A paler, spotted sub-species of levis. Usually has a larger, more depressed tail than the nominant form. The yellow form seems to be the most sought after but orange and pink/red individuals are also very attractive. Patternless animals have also been produced.

Pilbara Smooth Knob-tailed Gecko

Nephrurus levis pilbarensis

Distribution: Pilbara and Great Sandy Desert

Description: The most highly-patterned of the group. Tails are commonly heart shaped. Several variants are being bred including normal patterned, patternless, and amelanistic forms of both of the above. This gecko has a lot of attitude to boot!

Starred Knob-tailed Gecko

Nephrurus stellatus

Distribution: Semi-arid areas of Southern Australia

Description: There are two populations of this amazing species of gecko. The background color may be dark brown, purple, or yellow while the rest of their body is covered with cream to yellowish spots that are centered on a tubercle. Many are simply electric at night!

Banded Knob-tailed Gecko

Nephrurus wheeleri cinctus

Distribution: Rocky ranges of western Australia

Description: An umistakable gecko with a broad tail, tubercles throughout the body, and black to brown bands. Five solid bands are typically found on this gecko although individuals with missing and/or broken bands have been produced in captivity.

Thick-tailed Gecko

Underwoodisaurus (Nephrurus) milii

Distribution: Southern Australia

Description: Considered by some to be a Nephrurus, this gecko lacks a knob-tail. A personable gecko that has many small yellow to white tubercles throughout. The more common background coloration is brown but lighter individuals can be yellowish-orange.

Prickly Knob-tailed Gecko

Nephrurus asper

Distribution: Queensland and North-eastern Australia

Description: A stocky gecko with rosettes on body and limbs. Paler transverse lines across the back. Fine reticulated pattern on head and body. Color can range from brownish to grey to black . Eyes are purplish. Cape York specimens have thick, light colored bands

Centralian Knob-tailed Gecko

Nephrurus amyae

Distribution: Rocky ranges of central Australia

Description: One of the most robust geckos of Australia. Body and limbs adorned with spiney rosettes. Head and body have an intricate reticulated pattern. Tail is short. Most spinose on rump and hidlinmbs. Color ranges from orange to rusty red to light pink. A must have!

The genus Nephrurus consists of 9 species of Knob-tailed geckos endemic to Australia. They are charactarized by large heads, stocky bodies, and tails that end with a fleshy, knob-like appendage. Half of the genus are rough skinned and are covered with spines arranged in rosettes. The smooth skinned species require more humid environments due to their delicate skin. These terrestrial geckos dwell in burrows by day and awake to forage for prey at night. Their diet mainly consists of arthropods and smaller geckos although they have been known to devour newborn rodents as well. A unique group of geckos that do very well when maintained correctly. Nephrurus are a personal favorite here at SBR!