Strophurus Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Strophurus

Strophurus taenicauda
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Family:	Diplodactylidae
Genus:	*Strophurus* Fitzinger, 1843
Species
19 recognized species, see article.

Strophurus is a group of lizards called genera that belong to the family of geckos known as Diplodactylidae. All types of Strophurus geckos live only in Australia. Because of their unique features, they are often called phasmid geckos, spiny-tailed geckos, or striped geckos.

What are Strophurus Geckos?
- Amazing Defenses and Habits
- Where They Live
Types of Strophurus Geckos
Images for kids
See also

What are Strophurus Geckos?

These special geckos are usually between 80 and 130 millimeters long, which is about 3 to 5 inches. Their bodies are covered in small, round scales. Some of them also have larger scales or soft spines mixed in.

Amazing Defenses and Habits

One really cool thing about all Strophurus geckos is how they protect themselves. They can squirt a harmless, smelly liquid from their tails! This liquid helps scare away birds that might try to eat them. It's unusual because these geckos are sometimes out during the day, unlike many other geckos. Most geckos are nocturnal, meaning they are active at night.

Some Strophurus geckos don't have spines, while others have spines on their tails and other parts of their bodies.

Where They Live

Strophurus geckos usually live among shrubs and grassy areas. Sometimes, they move to the ground to get warm or to find a mate. Pregnant female geckos often do this. They use the extra warmth from rocks and roads to help their two eggs grow properly.

Types of Strophurus Geckos

There are about 20 different kinds of Strophurus geckos, plus some smaller groups called subspecies. Here are some of the known species:

Strophurus assimilis (Goldfields Spiny-tailed Gecko)
Strophurus ciliaris (Northern Spiny-tailed Gecko)
Strophurus congoo (Congoo Gecko)
Strophurus elderi (Jewelled Gecko)
Strophurus horneri (Arnhem Phasmid Gecko)
Strophurus intermedius (Eastern Spiny-tailed Gecko, Southern Spiny-tailed Gecko)
Strophurus jeanae (Southern Phasmid Gecko)
Strophurus krisalys
Strophurus mcmillani (McMillan's Spiny-tailed Gecko, Short-tailed Striped Gecko)
Strophurus michaelseni (Robust Striped Gecko)
Strophurus rankini (Exmouth Spiny-tailed Gecko)
Strophurus robinsoni
Strophurus spinigerus (Soft Spiny-tailed Gecko, South-western Spiny-tailed Gecko)
Strophurus strophurus (Western Spiny-tailed Gecko)
Strophurus taeniatus (Phasmid Striped Gecko, White-striped Gecko)
Strophurus taenicauda (Golden Spiny-tailed Gecko, Golden-tailed Gecko)
Strophurus trux (Golden-eyed Gecko)
Strophurus wellingtonae (Western Shield Spiny-tailed Gecko, Wellington's Spiny-tailed Gecko)
Strophurus williamsi (Eastern Spiny-tailed Gecko, Soft-spined Gecko)
Strophurus wilsoni (Mount Augustus Spiny-tailed Gecko, Mount Augustus Striped Gecko)