Phyllurus

Southern Leaf-tailed Gecko

Phyllurus platurus

Distribution: Sandstone areas in Southern Australia

Description: Has a long, broad tail that ends in a point. Color is usually shades of brown to grey. Body is covered with darker spots and blotches. No bands are present. When disturbed, opens mouth and will lunge to attack!

Ringed thin-tailed Gecko

Phyllurus caudiannulatus

Distribution: Rainforest in Queensland

Description: A Phyllurus lacking a leaf-tail but instead has a long, cylcindrical tail with 5-6 white bands. The body is covered with many tubercles. Base color is greyish and is speckled with irregular dark spots and blotches. Can become very white at night!

An obscure but unmistakable group of lizards commonly known as leaf-tailed geckos. All inhabit areas on the east coast of Australia where they find shelter in crevices, sandstone caves, or tree hollows. Most have broad and flat tails. Their bodies are rather slender and very depressed. They lack toe pads but instead have claws. The species are distinguished from one another mainy by distribution and rostral scale differences. Having an intricate mottled pattern and jagged edges along their tail makes them extremely well camouflaged. These geckos have a lot of attitude and will let you know when your presence is unwanted. Truely a pleasure to keep and must be seen in person to fully appreciate!