Mossy leaf-tailed gecko
A species of Leaf-tail geckos, Also known as Mosbladstaartgekko Scientific name : Uroplatus sikorae Genus : Leaf-tail geckos
Mossy leaf-tailed gecko, A species of Leaf-tail geckos
Also known as:
Mosbladstaartgekko
Scientific name: Uroplatus sikorae
Genus: Leaf-tail geckos
Content
Description General Info
Photo By airalcorn2 , used under CC-BY-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
Uroplatus sikorae is a species of gecko commonly referred to as the mossy leaf-tailed gecko. This species, endemic to Madagascar, is found in primary and secondary forests on the island. It has the ability to change its skin color to match its surroundings and possesses dermal flaps which break up its outline when at rest.
General Info
Lifespan
5-8 years
Diet
Mossy leaf-tailed gecko predominantly feeds on a variety of insects. Its nocturnal nature aligns with its hunting habits as it seeks out prey such as spiders, beetles, and small lizards when darkness falls.
Appearance
Mossy leaf-tailed gecko is a medium-sized arboreal gecko characterized by a flat body and rough, bumpy skin that aids in their remarkable camouflage. They typically exhibit pale grey to dark brown coloration, often speckled with small white or black spots. Underneath, it is markedly lighter. The most striking feature is their fringed, leaf-like tails and expandable flaps of skin, which further support their leaf mimicry.
Behavior
Mossy leaf-tailed gecko is a nocturnal and arboreal creature, noted for its cryptic behavior as it expertly blends into its forest surrounds via lichen-like skin. Generally solitary, it utilizes its long tail during foraging for locomotion and balance. Bizarrely, this species often hangs vertically on tree trunks during the day, further enhancing its camouflage ability.
Population
Decreasing
Photo By airalcorn2 , used under CC-BY-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Common geckos Genus
Leaf-tail geckos Species
Mossy leaf-tailed gecko