Lined Leaf-tail Gecko

Appearance

Of all of the species in the genus Uroplatus, U. lineatus is by far one of the most unique of the group. They're one of the largest Uroplatus, reaching a total length of 10-11". They lack the dermal fringe most frequently seen in species belonging to the "fimbriatus" group, but many adorn themselves with spiny scales which give the appearance of "eye lashes" above their eyes. Their bodies are long and slender with smooth skin and a "snake-like" head. Patterns change from solid beige or yellowish during the day and wood grain striped at night. They very much resemble the bamboo plants they inhabit in their natural habitat. One of the more arboreal species, they generally stick to the walls and branches in their enclosure. Like all Uroplatus, they are nocturnal and sleep during the day. This is a very elegant species, moving about the enclosure with grace and style.

source: http://www.uroplatus.org/species-index/lineatus-group/uroplatus-lineatus

Naming

The generic name, ''Uroplatus'', is a Latinization of two Greek words: "ourá" meaning "tail" and "platys" meaning "flat". Its specific name, ''lineatus'', is the Latin word for "lined" in reference to the longitudinal stripes on the lizard's body.

Distribution

This leaf-tailed gecko is endemic to Madagascar where it has been recorded from lowland and mid-altitude humid forest in the east, between Brickaville at its southern extent to Marojejy and Vohemar in the north, and into the Masoala Peninsula in the northeast (Raselimanana et al. 2000, Glaw and Vences 2007). It occurs between sea level and about 600 m asl. It has an estimated extent of occurrence of 40,431 km².

Source: IUCN