Knob-tailed gecko
The genus Nephrurus, collectively referred to as the knob-tailed geckos, comprises several species of small, desert-dwelling, drought-tolerant Australian gecko. They are named for their stubby, knob-like tails, and are also easily identified by their rather large eyes. This adaptation of enlarged eyes is indicative of an animal’s lifestyle being predominantly crepuscular or nocturnal.
Description
Lizards of this genus are easily distinguished by their short bodies, large heads, small legs, and short, carrot-shaped tails that often end in a small knob.Species
The following 11 species are recognized as being valid.- Nephrurus amyae – Centralian rough knob-tailed gecko
- Nephrurus asper – rough knob-tailed gecko
- Nephrurus cinctus – northern banded knob-tailed gecko
- Nephrurus deleani – Pernatty knob-tailed gecko
- Nephrurus eromanga
- Nephrurus laevissimus – smooth knob-tailed gecko
- Nephrurus levis – smooth knob-tailed gecko
- *Nephrurus [levis levis]
- *Nephrurus levis occidentalis
- *Nephrurus levis pilbarensis
- Nephrurus sheai – Kimberley rough knob-tailed gecko
- Nephrurus stellatus – stellate knob-tailed gecko
- Nephrurus vertebralis – midline knob-tailed gecko
- Nephrurus wheeleri – banded knob-tailed gecko