The Next Gecko - December 1st, 2009
The knob-tailed geckos ( Nephrurus sp.) occur within the arid regions in Australia. They are nocturnal gecko species that excavate and utilize burrows for shelter and food. Knob-tailed geckos can be divided into two main groups, consisting of the rough knob-tailed geckos and the smooth knob-tailed geckos. Both groups seem to have relatively large heads with bulging eyes, slender limbs and possess distinct knob-looking structure at the end of their tails. Each group however has different physical traits to further separate them from one to the other.
"Wheeleri" – The Banded knob-tailed geckos ( Nephrurus wheeleri cinctus), or famously known as “Wheeleri”, are medium sized species from the genus of Nephrurus, originating from the rocky areas of the Australian Pilbara region. They have a base body color that is tan to pink to peach and are patterned with five dark brown bands on their body and tail. In captive collection, Wheeleris are sometime seen with broken, reduced, or missing bands that give the geckos a unique look. Their body is covered in rosettes that are often peach to orange in color. They make excellent captive for those who are looking for a more challenging species after leopard geckos. Wheeleris are known to be prolific breeders, producing many eggs per season. There are currently two known sub-species of Wheeleris. They are Nephrurus wheeleri wheeleri and Nephrurus wheeleri cinctus.
"Levis" – The Smooth knob-tailed geckos (Nephrurus levis levis), or famously known as "Levis", are medium sized gecko species from the genus of Nephrurus. With smooth skin and moderately long yet compressed tail, Levis possess ground coloration from pale brown to brick red, patterned with narrow transverse cream to pale grey banded lines. This species seems to be the most famously kept among the genus of Nephrurus on the planet. There are several known sub-species ranging from different localities such as Nephrurus levis levis, Nephrurus levis pilbarensis and even Nephrurus levis occidentalis. There are several other sub-species known to science but studies to better understand them are still on-going. Levis ssp. is the most favorable knobs in collection today.
"Amyae" – The Centralian knob-tailed gecko (Nephrurus amyae), or famously known as "Amyae", is the largest gecko species from the genus of Nephrurus. As with all Nephrurus being endemic to Australia, Amyaes are found primarily in the central region of the country. Equipped with big bulging eyes, they have a brown to reddish body coloration, covered in spiny rosettes giving their skin a rough appearance and feel. Complemented with a small tail and a knob on the end, Amyaes look fascinatingly weird yet interestingly cute. They occur in the center of Australia within the state of Northern Territory, inhabiting areas of hard red/brown soils within rocky ranges and outcrops. They are large, robust geckos that eat just about any insects that could fit into their mouth. This impressive gecko is a must-have for any true gecko enthusiasts.
‘The members of the Nephrurus sp. are certainly fascinating. They are a great “next gecko” for moderate-level geckokeepers who have mastered the care and breeding of beginner species such as leopard geckos. Knob-tailed geckos are still relatively rare within collections, but they are becoming more popular as people become familiar with these little bulldogs’ (Steve Sykes; Reptiles Magazine 2009 Annual; Page 45).
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