Uroplatus phantasticus, the satanicleaf-tailedgecko, eyelash leaf-tailed gecko or the phantastic leaf-tailed gecko, is a species of gecko indigenous to the island of Madagascar. Basic facts about SatanicLeaf-TailedGecko: lifespan, distribution and habitat map, lifestyle and social behavior, mating habits, diet and nutrition, population size and status. Also called the satanic leaf-tailed gecko, this master of camouflage is native to Madagascar. It is notable for pointed head scales which resemble horns and its remarkably leaf-like appearance. It's one of several leaf-tailed gecko species found only in Madagascar. The satanic leaf-tailed geckois one of the smallest leaf-tailed gecko species. It has a horned head, red eyes and a tail with notches that helps it mimic the look of decaying leaves. This gecko comes in various shades of red, brown, tan, and purple. However, they are most often a mottled brown color. Endemic to the island nation of Madagascar, sata...See full list on factanimal.com1. The satanic leaf-tailed gecko gets its name from its head shape & eyesThough there are 14 species in this gecko’s genus, this one stands out because of its horned head and red eyes. Thus, leading scientists to give it the name satanic leaf-tailed gecko. The mouth is also a bright orange color, adding to the effect of this tiny lizard.2. The scientific name means “flat,” “tail,” and “imaginary”Satanic leaf-tailed geckos fall under the genus Uropiatus, which is derived from the combination of two Latin words that mean “tail” and “flat.” The species name, phantasticus, is also derived from Latin, meaning “imaginary.” This name comes from naturalist George Albert Boulenger, who described the gecko as “mythical.”3. They are masters of disguiseOne of the most distinctive features of these geckos is that they have amazing camouflage abilities. Not only is their coloring and tail shaped designed to mimic the look of dead leaves but so is their entire body. They have lines along their back that look like the veins of a leaf. Satanic leaf-tailed geckos spend most of their day hanging motionless from branches or hiding among the leaves. They will also flatten themselves against tree trunks while they sleep, all but disappearing from sight.See full list on factanimal.comScientific Classification1. “Appendices“. CITES. Retrieved . 2. Lina S. V. Roth, Linda Lundström, Almut Kelber, Ronald H. H. Kröger, Peter Unsbo. “The pupils and optical systems of gecko eyes“. Journal of Vision 2009;9(3):27. doi. 3. Rohtla Jr, E. A., Russell, A. P., & Bauer, A. M. (2019). Sounding Off: Relationships between call properties, body size, phylogeny, and laryngotracheal form of geckos. Herpetologica, 75(3), 175-197. 4. Bauer, A. M. (2013). “Geckos: the animal answer guide“. JHU Press. 5. Zani...See full list on factanimal.com The satanicleaf-tailedgecko belongs to a group of three Madagascar geckos that all have bodies that resemble dead leaves. With a body coloring that can range from orange to tan to brown, this little gecko has the ability to blend in perfectly with leaf litter. · The satanicleaf-tailedgecko only grows to 3.5 inches long, including its tail, and weighs less than an ounce. Like most geckos, it has huge eyes for nighttime vision, and its feet have bud-shaped toes filled with setae, which allows it to cling to surfaces as smooth as glass. · The SatanicLeaf-tailedGecko’s behavior is a marvel of evolutionary adaptation, centered on stealth, patience, and a surprising defensive display. This species’s survival in the dense tropical forests of Madagascar depends entirely on its masterful camouflage. The satanicleaf-tailedgecko belongs to a group of three Madagascar geckos that all have bodies that resemble dead leaves. With a body coloring that can range from orange to tan to brown, this little gecko has the ability to blend in perfectly with leaf litter. · The satanicleaf-tailedgecko only grows to 3.5 inches long, including its tail, and weighs less than an ounce. Like most geckos, it has huge eyes for nighttime vision, and its feet have bud-shaped toes filled with setae, which allows it to cling to surfaces as smooth as glass. · The SatanicLeaf-tailedGecko’s behavior is a marvel of evolutionary adaptation, centered on stealth, patience, and a surprising defensive display. This species’s survival in the dense tropical forests of Madagascar depends entirely on its masterful camouflage.
