Southern Spiny-tailed Gecko

About the Southern Spiny-tailed Gecko

Strophurus intermedius, also known commonly as the eastern spiny-tailed gecko or the southern spiny-tailed gecko, is a species of lizard in the family Diplodactylidae. The species is endemic to semi-arid regions of Australia in New South Wales, Northern Territory, South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia, in mallee shrubland and woodland habitats.

S. intermedius is one of the larger species of the geckos found in Australia. It has a grey, patterned body with a pale belly. It acquired its common names, eastern spiny-tailed gecko and southern spiny-tailed gecko, from the two longitudinal rows of prominent tubercles along the length of its back and tail. These spines are orange-brown in colour and become more prominent towards the tail. This spiny feature acts as a defence mechanism. The spines on the tail exude a harmless yet smelly, orange fluid at the attacker. Its limbs and body are strong. The tips of the digits are disced like those of most species of Gekkota. The mouth has a blue lining. The iris of the eye has a bright orange rim.

The head is oviform and convex with a rounded snout and large eyes. There are no spines over the eyes. Adults have an average... Wikipedia →