Common knob-tailed gecko
A species of Knob-tailed geckos, Also known as Common knob-tailed lizard Scientific name : Nephrurus levis Genus : Knob-tailed geckos
Common knob-tailed gecko, A species of Knob-tailed geckos
Also known as:
Common knob-tailed lizard
Scientific name: Nephrurus levis
Genus: Knob-tailed geckos
Content
Description General Info
Photo By David Wells , used under CC-BY-3.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
Nephrurus levis, commonly known as the knob-tailed gecko, is a native Australian gecko species. The smooth knob-tailed gecko is part of the Carphodactylidae family, a family endemic to Australia. A common, alternative, name for this family is barking geckos due loud barks they make during threat displays, which includes swaying their bodies, winding their tail and attacking with an open mouth. There are multiple sub-species of Nephrurus levis, these include N.l. lev
General Info
Lifespan
15-20 years
Diet
Common knob-tailed gecko subsists primarily on invertebrates, especially moths and beetles. They have a pronounced predilection for soft-bodied prey, generally hunting under cover of night with a keen, ambush-style technique.
Appearance
Common knob-tailed gecko is a small gecko with a robust, slightly flat body, and granular, rough skin. Its predominant color is a blend of pale beige and light yellow, with irregular darker bands and spots. Key features include a large head, thick tail, and distinctive, cat-like vertical pupils. Both sexes look identical while juveniles exhibit brighter hues. Common knob-tailed gecko's characteristic tail can voluntarily detach when threatened.
Behavior
Common knob-tailed gecko are primarily nocturnal creatures, known for their burrowing and hiding behaviors during the day time. They have a solitary nature, interacting only near the breeding season. Common knob-tailed gecko, despite their fragile appearance, display a territorial stance, hissing and tail whipping to deter invaders. They are sit-and-wait predators, efficiently using their body color for camouflage while hunting in their arid habitat.
Population
Stable
Photo By David Wells , used under CC-BY-3.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Australian leaf-tailed Genus
Knob-tailed geckos Species
Common knob-tailed gecko