The genus Nephrurus, collectively referred to as the knob-tailed geckos (or “knob-tails”), 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.

thumb|200px|Nephrurus amyae

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

The former Nephrurus milii , is now Underwoodisaurus milii – barking gecko.

As pets

Some species are sold and captive bred as pets such as Nephrurus amyae, Nephrurus asper, Nephrurus cinctus, Nephrurus deleani, Nephrurus laevissimus, Nephrurus levis, Nephrurus vertebralis and Nephrurus wheeleri.

References

Further reading

  • Boulenger GA (1885). Catalogue of the Lizards in the British Museum (Natural History). Second Edition. Volume I. Geckonidæ .... London: Trustees of the British Museum. (Taylor and Francis, printers). xii + 436 pp. + Plates I–XXXII. (Genus Nephrurus, p. 9).
  • Günther A (1876). "Descriptions of new species of Reptiles from Australia". Journal des Museum Godeffroy 5 (12): 45–47. (Nephrurus, new genus, p. 46).
  • AROD.com.au
  • Gekkota.com