Underwoodisaurus is a small genus of Australian lizards in the family Carphodactylidae. Member species are commonly known as thick-tailed geckos, along with the species Uvidicolus sphyrurus.

Etymology

The generic name, Underwoodisaurus, is in honour of British herpetologist Garth Leon Underwood.

Taxonomy

The genus Underwoodisaurus has a complex taxonomic history, but the currently accepted taxonomic concept follows & (2011), with a second species subsequently recognised by & (2011). Reptile systematists nowadays recognise a distinct family, Carphodactylidae, for this and some related genera.

Ecology

Thick-tailed geckos shelter under leaf litter, around the bases of trees in loose bark, and in crevices.

Further reading

  • Cogger HG (2014). Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia, Seventh Edition. Clayton, Victoria, Australia: CSIRO Publishing. xxx + 1,033 pp. . (Underwoodisaurus, pp. 283–284).
  • Wermuth H (1965). "Liste der rezenten Amphibien und Reptilien, Gekkonidae, Pygopodidae, Xantusiidae ". Das Tierreich 80: 1-246. (Uderwoodisaurus, new genus). (in German).
  • Wilson, Steve; Swan, Gerry (2013). A Complete Guide to Reptiles of Australia, Fourth Edition. Sydney: New Holland Publishers. 522 pp. .