South-western Spiny-tailed GeckoScientific name: Strophurus spinigerus
Meaning of name: Strophurus is from the Greek words strophos, meaning band, and ura, meaning tail. Spinigerus is from the Latin word spina, meaning thorn, and –ger, meaning bearing.
Distribution: Occurs from Shark Bay to the south coast.
Description: A nocturnal, grey gecko with two rows of small, black spines running down its back to the tip of its tail. It can grow up to 13 centimetres long.
Notes: This is the only local gecko capable of squirting a harmless, mildly smelly fluid from pores along the top of its tail. This is believed to deter predators.
References: A Guide to the Reptiles and Frogs of the Perth Region. Brian Bush, Brad Maryan, Robert Browne-Cooper, David Robinson. 1995
A Complete Guide to Reptiles of Australia. Steve Wilson and Gerry Swan. 2003
Lizards of Western Australia III Geckos & Pygopods. GM Storr, LA Smith, RE Johnstone. 1990
This gecko was seen during a night stalk.
This gecko was trying to escape by climbing a grass stem.
South-western Spiny-tailed Geckoes have colourful eyes.
The inside of a South-western Spiny-tailed Gecko's mouth is blue.
