Border Thick-tailed Gecko
Scientific Name: Uvidicolus sphyrurus
Size: 70mm SVL (Snout-Vent Length)
What does it look like?
The Border Thick-tailed Gecko is grey-brown, with numerous white spots and black speckling above, the spots forming loose transverse bands. Whitish below, occasionally with fine brown speckling. Original tail fat with long, tapering tip; blackish, with 4 conspicuous cream bands and numerous raised tubercles within paler rings. Regenerated tail mottled grey-brown and rounded.
Where is it found?
Granite highlands of northern NSW and southern Qld.
What are its habitats & habits?
The Border Thick-tailed Gecko is found in undisturbed rocky areas within woodland. Nocturnal, sheltering during the day among rocks and under fallen timber, and emerging shortly after dusk to feed. Insectivorous, feeding primarily on insects and spiders. Oviparous, laying 2 eggs in a clutch. Appears to be largely solitary and generally uncommon; listed as Near Threatened on IUCN Red List.
This species features in my book A Naturalist’s Guide to the Reptiles of Australia
