Phyllurus
| Phyllurus | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Broad-tailed gecko (Phyllurus platurus) | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Family: | Carphodactylidae |
| Genus: |
Phyllurus Schinz, 1822 |
Phyllurus is a small genus of Australian leaf-tailed geckos. Rarely seen outside their native habitat, they are notable for their highly effective camouflage which is in part aided by the spiny tubercles that cover every body part.
Most member species, except for P. caudiannulatus, P. gulbaru and P. kabikabi, have very flattened, leaf-shaped tails. Some of these species have recently been reassigned to the genus Saltuarius. The Phyllurus geckos resemble the Uroplatus geckos of Madagascar. This is an example of convergent evolution because they are not closely related.
The following species are recognized as being valid.
The northern leaf-tailed gecko (previously Phyllurus cornutus Ogilby, 1892), is now placed in the genus Saltuarius.
Nota bene: A binomial authority in parentheses indicates that the species was originally described in a genus other than Phyllurus.
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