Knob-tailed gecko

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.

Knob-tailed gecko
Nephrurus laevissimus
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Suborder:	Gekkota
Family:	Carphodactylidae
Genus:	Nephrurus Günther, 1876
Species
11 described species, see article.

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.

Nephrurus amyae

Species

The following 11 species are recognized as being valid.^[1]

• Nephrurus amyae Couper in Couper & Gregson, 1994 – Centralian rough knob-tailed gecko
• Nephrurus asper Günther, 1876 – rough knob-tailed gecko
• Nephrurus cinctus Storr, 1963 – northern banded knob-tailed gecko
• Nephrurus deleani Harvey, 1983 – Pernatty knob-tailed gecko
• Nephrurus eromanga Oliver, Donnellan & Gunn, 2022
• Nephrurus laevissimus Mertens, 1958 – smooth knob-tailed gecko
• Nephrurus levis De Vis, 1886 – smooth knob-tailed gecko
  • Nephrurus levis levis De Vis, 1886
  • Nephrurus levis occidentalis Storr, 1963
  • Nephrurus levis pilbarensis Storr, 1963
• Nephrurus sheai Couper in Couper & Gregson, 1994 – Kimberley rough knob-tailed gecko
• Nephrurus stellatus Storr, 1968 – stellate knob-tailed gecko
• Nephrurus vertebralis Storr, 1963 – midline knob-tailed gecko
• Nephrurus wheeleri Loveridge, 1932 – banded knob-tailed gecko^[2]

The former Nephrurus milii Bory de Saint-Vincent, 1823, is now Underwoodisaurus milii (Bory de Saint-Vincent, 1823) – 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.