Southern Leaf-tailed Gecko
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© Stephen Mahony
Fast Facts
-
Classification
- Genus
- Phyllurus
- Species
- platurus
- Family
- Gekkonidae
- Suborder
- Lacertilia
- Order
- Squamata
- Subclass
- Lepidosauria
- Class
- Reptilia
- Subphylum
- Vertebrata
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Kingdom
- Animalia
-
- Size Range
- 15 cm
Introduction
People often come across strange, leaf-shaped 'creatures' in their backyards. These usually turn out to be the tail from a Leaf-tailed Gecko.
Identification
The Southern Leaf-tailed Gecko has rough, scaly skin and a brown or grey, mottled pattern that resembles the sandstone habitat where it lives.
Habitat
The Southern Leaf-tailed Gecko lives in urban areas and coastal sandstone heath. It is quite common in Sydney and has been known to enter garages and houses in urban areas.
Distribution
The Southern Leaf-tailed Gecko is found in the Sydney Basin and surrounds.
Feeding and diet
The Southern Leaf-tailed Gecko feeds at night and shelters during the day in crevices or under rocks.
Other behaviours and adaptations
When the Southern Leaf-tailed Gecko is threatened or attacked, it discards its tail so it can escape to safety. It will re-grow another tail and the missing tail will decompose.
