Spiny-tailed gecko

Appearance

''Strophurus ciliaris'' is highly variable in colour. This species can vary from a uniform grey colour, with few black or orange scales, to rich brown, with a mottled pattern of grey, white, and orange scales. Spines are present along the tail and long spines are generally present above the eyes, giving the impression of being eye-lashed.
The average length for a member of this species is 89 mm . Females are known to be significantly larger than males.

Naming

The meaning of the scientific name or binomial, ''Strophurus ciliaris'', comes from ''strophurus'' meaning "turning-tail" and ''ciliaris'' meaning "eyelashed", referring to the spines above the eyes.

This species has one desert form and one tropical form. There are two subspecies, ''Strophurus ciliaris ciliaris'' and ''Strophurus ciliaris aberrans''.

Status

''Strophurus ciliaris'' is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. This is due to its large distribution, unrestricted habitat preferences, and the limited number of threats facing this species.

Behavior

''S. ciliaris'' is generally a nocturnal species but can be found basking during the day.

Habitat

''Strophurus ciliaris'' is an arboreal species which occurs in arid, semi-arid, and subtropical habitats in shrubland. It can also be commonly found in clumps of Spinifex.

Reproduction

They are an oviparous species that has a clutch size of two.

Food

Little is known about the diet of this species. However, similar to other members of the Gecko family, its diet includes arthropods. ''Strophurus ciliaris'' has been observed licking the exudes of wattle sap.

Predators

Habitat degradation is a threat to ''Strophurus ciliaris''. A large amount of this species' habitat has been lost or heavily degraded by land clearing and feral invasive species including goats. Habitat degradation and loss should not be considered a major threat at this time due to the wide distribution of ''Strophurus ciliaris'' and large amount of suitable habitat that remains.