Mossy leaf-tailed gecko, master of disguise

By the title of this photo and by the increased contrast you may notice soon the incredibly flat gecko on this tree. Our reality, however, was that we did not see it even with the guide almost touching it. You can see it because it is breaking the white part of the trunk, and from the side of the tree you can see its elevated eyes, but in most conditions you will never spot this remarkeable creature.

Note that this photo was created with a compact cam, I got some better shots which I will share later.

comments (4)

Joost Thissen

Lion

Indeed almost invisible. I always thought that the purpose of the leaf-look was to look like a leaf, but now I see it is to look like a trunk. It certainly works! Posted 12 years ago
1. Ferdy Christant
  
  Lion
  
  Well, the confusing part is that there are several species of leaf-tailed geckos, of which this one looks more like a trunk (mossy), whilst others look more like a leaf. Their names are similar but they look dramatically different. Posted 12 years ago

Claire Hamilton

Lion

Brilliant photo, well spotted...maybe their disguise is not so good? Posted 12 years ago
1. Ferdy Christant
  
  Lion
  
  Thanks! Actually, our guide spotted this and even after he pointed to it, we could not see it at first. Their disguise is quite amazing. Will share some more of this creature soon. Posted 12 years ago

The Mossy leaf-tailed gecko

"Uroplatus sikorae" is a species of gecko commonly referred to as the Mossy leaf-tailed gecko. This species, endemic to Madagascar, is found in primary and secondary forests on the island. It has the ability to change its skin color to match its surroundings and possesses dermal flaps which break up its outline when at rest.

It is a CITES II protected animal due to habitat loss and overcollection for the pet trade.

Info 15 2

Similar species: Snakes And Lizards

Species identified by Ferdy Christant