Phasmid Striped Gecko
![A Phasmid Striped Gecko climbing up some plant shoots. [Photographed by Peter Rowland]](https://prpw.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/PRPW-150523-08-23309.jpg "Phasmid Striped Gecko")
Scientific Name: Strophurus taeniatus
Size: Snout Vent Length 50 mm
What does it look like?
The Phasmid Striped Gecko is a small, slender-bodied gecko, with gradually tapering, cylindrical tail and thin limbs. Pale grey to brown above, with whitish, brown and yellow alternating longitudinal stripes from head to tip of tail. Back and side pattern continued on belly. Tail about 80 per cent as long as SVL, and prehensile.
Where is it found?
Northern Australia from north-western Qld, through the inland of northern NT, to coast of north-western WA.
What are its habitats & habits?
The Phasmid Striped Gecko, or White-striped Gecko, is found in seasonally dry woodland, spinifex grassland and shrubland. Largely terrestrial and nocturnal; believed to shelter during the day under spinifex clumps, emerging at night to feed on small invertebrates. Also feeds in early morning and late afternoon (crepuscular), and moves with slow, jerky steps. Oviparous, laying 2 leathery-shelled eggs in a clutch. If threatened, capable of squirting a thick, sticky, repellent fluid from tail.
This species features in my book A Naturalist’s Guide to the Reptiles of Australia
