Uroplatus
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Uroplatus | ||||||||||||||
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Scientific classification | ||||||||||||||
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Geckos in the genus Uroplatus are commonly referred to as flat or leaf tailed geckos. All of the species of this genus are found in primary forests on the island of Madagascar.
The Uroplatus are nocturnal and arboreal. They range in size from about 7 inches (U. fimbriatus) to 2.5 inches (U. phantasticus). They spend most of their time hanging vertically on tree trunks, head down, waiting for prey. They are all insectivores.
They all have coloration developed as camouflage, most being grayish brown to black or greenish brown with various markings ment to resemble tree bark.
Uroplatus are found in the herpetology and pet trade, but rarely. Most are threatened due to deforestation and habitat loss, therefore only captive bred specimens are available.
During their breeding season, female Uroplatus lay from 2-4 eggs depending on species and conditioning.