Satanic Leaf-Tailed Gecko

Taxobox
name = Satanic Leaf-Tailed Gecko


image_width = 180px
image_caption = Male Satanic Leaf-Tail Gecko
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Reptilia
ordo = Squamata
subordo = Sauria
familia = Gekkonidae""'
binomial = "Uroplatus phantasticus"

The Satanic Leaf Tailed Gecko, "Uroplatus phantasticus", is an interesting species of gecko found in Madagascar. First described in 1987 by Brian Fischer, "U. phantasticus" is the smallest in body of the "Uroplatus" geckos, though there is an ongoing debate as to whether one of its cousins, "U. ebanaui", is smaller because of its shorter tail. Its adult size is anywhere from 2.5-6 inches total length. The satanic leaf tailed gecko is also commonly known as the eyelash leaf tail gecko or fantastic leaf tail gecko.

"U. phantasticus" is an interesting looking gecko. As with all "Uroplatus" geckos, the tail is flattened and leaf-like. Some "U. phantasticus" even have notches in their tails to further resemble a decaying leaf. This is also thought to be a form of sexual dimorphism, as the trait seems more common in males of the species. In addition, "U. phantasticus" has an eyelash-like projection above each eye. During the daylight hours, these adaptations help the gecko blend into its surroundings. At night it helps the gecko when it hunts by providing camouflage.

The satanic leaf tail gecko come in a variety of colors, ranging through various hues of purple, orange, tan and yellow.

The satanic leaf tailed gecko may be kept in breeding pairs or trios. Two geckos may be kept in a commercially available 10 gallon aquarium with a screen lid. Males should not be housed together but females or a pair may be. They eat a variety of appropriately sized insects including crickets and moths. If breeding is successful in captivity, eggs will be laid every 30 days and take 90 days to hatch.

WWF, the World Wide Fund for Nature lists the "Uroplatus" species on their "Top ten most wanted species list" of animals threatened by illegal wildlife trade, because of it "being captured and sold at alarming rates for the international pet trade". [http://www.worldwildlife.org/trade/cites/mostwanted2.cfm WWF Top 10 Most Wanted Species]

External links

* [http://www.herpjunkie.com HerpJunkie.com] - Uroplatus Phantasticus Breeders
* [http://www.TailReptiles.com TAILReptiles.com] - Uroplatus, Madagascan, and Australian Herp Breeders

References