Satanic Leaf Tailed Gecko

Satanic Leaf Tailed Gecko

Satanic leaf tailed gecko

Common name: Satanic leaf tailed gecko/Fantastic leaf tailed gecko

Scientific name: Uroplatus phantasticus

Distribution: Endemic to rain-forests of Madagascar Island.

fantastic leaf tailed gecko

Description: The satanic leaf tailed gecko is a species of tree gecko belonging to the genus Uroplatus. It is probably the most known species of it’s genus and mainly known for its incredible ability of camouflage. An adult satanic leaf tailed gecko can grow up-to 2.5 to inches long. The title satanic comes from it’s weird appearance and ability of superb camouflage. It comes with various shades of colors such as orange, purple, tan or yellow but mainly shades of brown with black markings that looks like rotten or dry leaves. The tail is flattened and has a leaf shape, some geckos even have notches to mimic dry leaves, like all geckos. It has no eyelids, instead has a thin transparent membrane covering the eyes and has to use it tongue to lick dust and debris off it’s eyes.

Uroplatus phantasticus

Satanic leaf tailed gecko is mainly nocturnal, during day time it rests on trees or among leaves. It can even flatten it’s body to avoid shadows and melt with the surroundings. If spotted it opens its bright red mouth to surprise the predator that gives it enough time to escape at night it uses camouflage to hunt insects.

Threat: Deforestation, habitat loss, pet trade are the main threat for this unique reptile!