Broad-tailed gecko

The broad-tailed gecko, southern leaf-tailed gecko, or Sydney leaf-tailed gecko (Phyllurus platurus) is a common gecko of the family Carphodactylidae found in the Sydney Basin. The species uses its mottled colour to camouflage against bark or rock, and if threatened can drop its large fleshy tail as a decoy. The tail is also useful for fat storage. This species of gecko is available in captivity as a pet, they are a nocturnal ambush hunter, relying on camouflage and patience to catch prey. Primary prey items include large nocturnal invertebrates such as spiders, cockroaches and beetles.

Broad-tailed gecko
in a garage at Chatswood West, Australia
Scientific classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Carphodactylidae
Genus: Phyllurus
Species:
P. platurus
Binomial name
Phyllurus platurus
Shaw 1790
Synonyms
  • Lacerta platura
  • Stellio phyllurus
  • Stellio platurus
  • Stellio platuros
  • Agama grandoculis
  • Agama platyura
  • Agama discosura
  • Geckoides platurus
  • Phyllurus platura
  • Phyllurus spinosus
  • Phyllurus novaehollandiae
  • Phyllurus cuvieri
  • Phyllurus whitii
  • Phyllurus australis
  • Phyllurus inermis
  • Phyllura discosura
  • Phyllura grandoculis
  • Gymnodactylus platyurus
  • Gymnodactylus phyllurus
  • Gymnodactylus inermis
  • Gymnodactylus platurus
  • Cyrtodactylus platura
  • Gecko platycaudus
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