BiologyCoachOnlineBlog

Last Week's #MysteryCreature was the Satanic Leaf-tailed Gecko (Uroplatus phantasticus).

First described in 1888, U. phantasticus is the smallest of the Uroplatus geckos. Adults range in length from about 2.5 to 6 inches (66 to 152 mm). Leaf-tailed geckos may have notches in their flattened tails (to mimic decaying leaves). However, this particular trait is seen predominantly in males and many experts have posited that such is a form of sexual dimorphism. Its dry-leaf appearance helps this particular species blend into its surroundings during the day and provides camouflage at night while hunting. Leaf-tailed geckos feeds on insects and the adhesive scales on their fingers and toes enable them to move easily through the trees.

Leaf-tailed geckos are oviparous (laying clutches of two spherical eggs under leaf litter). Endemic to the island of Madagascar, habitat destruction, deforestation, and the pet trade all threaten the leaf-tailed gecko's existence. This species is intolerant of even small environmental changes making the satanic leaf-tailed gecko vulnerable to habitat degradation and harvesting. All Uroplatus species are listed on the World Wide Fund for Nature's Top Ten Most Wanted Species List of animals threatened by illegal wildlife trade.