Golden-tailed Gecko
Scientific Name: Strophurus taenicauda
Size: Snout Vent Length 70 mm
What does it look like?
The Golden-tailed Gecko is a very attractive gecko with large, bright red, orange or greyish eyes, and long tail, often with golden-yellow longitudinal stripe. White to pale grey above, cryptically patterned with small black blotches and flecks on body, head and limbs. Eyes have vertically elliptical pupils, and inside of mouth has dark blue lining. Fingers and toes have enlarged pads and small retractile claws. Underparts pale grey with darker speckling.
Where is it found?
The species occurs within the Brigalow Belt of South-eastern Queensland.
What are its habitats & habits?
The Golden-tailed Gecko occurs in dry, open forests and woodland, particularly those dominated by ironbark, cypress, brigalow or ribbon gums. Arboreal and nocturnal, sheltering during the day under loose bark and in hollow branches, or among foliage, and emerging at night to forage for small invertebrates. Oviparous, laying 2 parchment-shelled eggs in a clutch. If threatened, secretes sticky fluid from pores on tail, which can irritate the eyes.
Interesting facts
Classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN, due to habitat loss and fragmentation.
Alternate name: Golden Spiny-tailed Gecko
This species features in my book A Naturalist’s Guide to the Reptiles of Australia
