| Phyllurus | |
|---|---|
| |
| Broad-tailed gecko (Phyllurus platurus) | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Family: | Carphodactylidae |
| Genus: | Phyllurus Schinz, 1822[1][2] |
Phyllurus is a small genus of Australian leaf-tailed geckos, lizards in the family Carphodactylidae. 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. As of 2023, Scawfell Island leaf-tailed gecko is the last known species of gecko to be found in Australia.
- ^ Dahms Tierleben. www.dahmstierleben.de/systematik/Reptilien/Squamata/Gekkota/Carphodactylidae.
- ^ Russell AP (1980). "Underwoodisaurus Wermuth, a junior synonym of Phyllurus Schinz 1822". Journal of Herpetology 14 (4): 415-416.