Species · GBIF taxon 2445755
Satanic Leaf-tailed Gecko
Uroplatus phantasticusAlso known as Eyelash Leaf-tailed Gecko, Phantastic Leaf-tailed Gecko, Boulenger's Leaf-tailed Gecko
These extraordinary reptiles are masters of mimicry, sporting bodies that perfectly resemble decaying leaves complete with veins, notched edges, and faux rot spots. During the day, they hang motionless among dead foliage in the rainforest understory, relying on eyelash-like projections and mottled skin to dissolve into the background. At night, they wake to hunt insects, using their large, lidless eyes to navigate the dark forest floor.
CamouflagedNocturnalArboreal
—observations
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—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Crickets
- Moths
- Roaches
Predators
- Birds of prey
- Snakes
- Small carnivorous mammals
ThreatsDeforestation, habitat fragmentation, and illegal collection for the pet trade
HabitatsHumid tropical rainforests and montane forest understory
Life span3 to 5 years in the wild
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyGekkonidae
- SpeciesUroplatus phantasticus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
- What to notice
- Look for a tiny, leaf-like body with eyelash-like spines above the eyes and a notched, leaf-shaped tail.
- Support conservation
- Never disclose precise GPS locations of sightings online to protect wild populations from poachers.
Responsible observation
- Spotting: Look closely at clumps of dead, hanging leaves about one to two meters off the forest floor.
- Handling: Avoid touching these delicate lizards, as stress can cause them to shed their tails or tear their skin.
- Night Walks: Use a dim flashlight with a red filter to observe their active nocturnal hunting behaviors.
Close Relative (c) Frank Vassen, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative Frank Vassen / CC BY 2.0 · cc-by
Close Relative 
Close Relative no rights reserved, uploaded by Scott Loarie · cc0
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