Henkels Leaf-tailed Gecko

Not only does its tail look like a leaf, in this position its entire body blends into the background. I actually had to adjust the tone of this photo to make this gecko visible.

comments (7)

Ludo Sak

Lion

I most definitely will visit the Oliemeulen and day soon! Posted 13 years ago
1. Ferdy Christant
  
  Lion
  
  I highly recommend it. It's not that big, takes about 2 hours to visit, and it's very affordable. Flash or a high ISO cam is highly recommended though, the conditions are very dark. Posted 13 years ago

Ludo Sak

Lion

Ok, thx for the hint. The most sensitive lens I have is a f1.8. Did you us a tripod and/or a flashlight? (is it a flash I see? It looks circular). Posted 13 years ago
1. Ferdy Christant
  
  Lion
  
  F1.8 sounds perfect, with a steady hand you can possibly do this without Flash even. Not sure, I suggest to take some test shots.
  
  I didn't use a tripod but that would have made it better. Most subjects sit very still so you could create perfect photos with a tripod.
  
  I did use flash in allmost all photos of this visit. I have a great speedlight from Nikon that is super smart in not overexposing Flash. The circular effect you see on this photo is a result of processing, not from the Flash. Without processing, you couldn't even see this lizard, it's camouflaged that well. Posted 13 years ago

Ludo Sak

Lion

Thanks for the extra info, Ferdy. I'll take a tripod on my rip, a lightweight just to be sure. I don't have an external flash yet, I'd love a decent speed light too. amazing you can only see them clearly by post processing, it must have made photographing them kind of exiting;-) Posted 13 years ago, modified 13 years ago
1. Ferdy Christant
  
  Lion
  
  The 'acquarium' these reptiles stay in are quite low to the ground, so if your tripod can handle that, all the better. Another obvious tip is to move your lens as close to the glass as possible, even touching it, to avoid reflection.
  
  I can definitely recommend investing in a speedlight. I used to not care about Flash but now I use if often when using my short lenzes. A speedlight on a Nikon body will automatically adjust for focal length, ISO, etc so that in most cases, it looks like no flash was used at all. Even when doing a portrait-distance shot in daylight flash can be useful as a 'fill' light.
  
  And the other cool thing is creative lighting. You can detach the speedlight and move it wherever you want, independent from the camera body and then control it. It will automatically sync the timing. Posted 13 years ago

Ludo Sak

Lion

Your comment as to the flash being nearly invisible on the result (it enhances it but doesn't degrade it) is very useful. Often when a flash is used (the built in one) the photo is lacking spirit. As we have plans expanding our house investment ia good flash will be a little bit later in time. I'll start looking into it for Canon speed lights. Yes, and close to the glass when using a flash to reduce reflection is a good one. thanks for your reply! Posted 13 years ago

The Henkels Leaf-tailed Gecko (Uroplatus henkeli)

Henkel's Leaf-tailed Gecko , is a gecko that is found on the island Nosy Bé near Madagascar, as well as on the mainland Madagascar itself, in the region of Ankaranafantsika. These geckos live an arboreal lifestyle, often venturing down to the ground only to lay eggs in soft soil and leaflitter. There are two different morphs of these geckos; the Nosy Bé form, and the mainland Madagascar form, and they can be distinguished by their colouration patterns, though these are not always reliable. Reaching.. more

Info 7 2

Similar species: Snakes And Lizards

Species identified by Ferdy Christant