Rough Tailed Gecko
Cyrtophrys scaber
Example photo used.
Wild Caught
Size; 6-8cm
Sex: Unsexed
The rough-tailed gecko (Cyrtopodion scabrum), also known as the rough-bellied or rough-tailed rock gecko, is a small nocturnal lizard commonly found in arid and semi-arid regions of the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of South Asia. It gets its name from the rough, spiny texture of its tail, which serves as a defence mechanism against predators and can also be shed if grabbed. Typically grey or brown with mottled patterns, the rough-tailed gecko blends well into rocky environments and man-made structures, making it a frequent resident of walls, ruins, and desert habitats. It is insectivorous, feeding mainly on moths, beetles, and other small invertebrates. Adaptable and hardy, this species is well-suited to dry climates and has become synanthropic, often thriving around human settlements.
Adult Size: ~8-12cm
Lifespan: 6-8 Years