Description:
Scientific name: Phyllurus platurus
Life span: 2-9 years
The broad-tailed gecko (Phyllurus platurus), also known as the southern leaf-tailed gecko or Sydney leaf-tailed gecko, is a widespread member of the Carphodactylidae family that is located in the Sydney Basin. Original tails are mottled the same color as the body with huge, slightly spiny tubercules, but regenerated tails are chunkier, mottled and smooth. Original tails are brown in color with low rough tubercules across the body.
Native Region/Habitat
Widespread throughout the wider Sydney Basin region, from Newcastle to the south to the Illawarra to the north. It is primarily found in rocky habitats, such as boulders, rock faces, or small rock crevices, although it can also be found naturally on trees, especially in places where there is no nearby rocky habitat.
Behavior:
The Southern Leaf-tailed Gecko sheds its tail when frightened or attacked so it can flee and find refuge. It will sprout another tail, and the one that is missing will decay.
Care As a pet/In captivity:
Cage: A cage that is roughly 20 inches long, 20 inches wide, and 20 inches tall may house a pair of adults.
Diet: Arthropods like cockroaches, moths, beetles, and spiders.
Temperature: Low 70s or upper 60s at night and 72 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit during the daytime
Humidity: Every night during the cooling-off phase, I spritz the cage to maintain humidity and give the broad-leaf-tailed geckos water to drink. The humidity is nearly 100% immediately after the spraying, but between mistings it lowers to between 55 and 60 percent.
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