Broad-tailed Gecko
Phyllurus platurus
- Class
- Reptile
- Rarity
- Common
- Observations
- 1,213
- Most observed in
- 🇦🇺 Australia
- Conservation
- Least Concern
Description
The broad-tailed gecko, southern leaf-tailed gecko, or Sydney leaf-tailed gecko (Phyllurus platurus) is a common gecko of the family Carphodactylidae found in the Sydney Basin. The species uses its mottled colour to camouflage against bark or rock, and if threatened can drop its large fleshy tail as a decoy. The tail is also useful for fat storage. This species of gecko is available in captivity as a pet, they are a nocturnal ambush hunter, relying on camouflage and patience to catch prey. Primary prey items include large nocturnal invertebrates such as spiders, cockroaches and beetles.
Summary adapted from the Wikipedia article “Broad-tailed gecko”.