Meet the Spiny-tailed GeckoArticle | Updated 7 years ago Spiny-tailed Gecko Brad Maryan The Spiny-tailed Gecko, or Strophurus strophurus, is an insectivorous reptile that lives in coastal and desert sand plains. Spiny-tailed Gecko Image copyright Brad Maryan Appearance This slow-moving, arboreal gecko can grow to a maximum size of 14cm, and is grey in colour, usually with a zigzag pattern running down the length of its back. The eye is rimmed in orange or yellow, and the tail has rings of orange, yellow, or white. They also have spiny eyebrows! Interestingly, the inner body wall is lined with a special UV protection to shield the gecko from harmful rays owing to their sun-basking habits. Habitat and Behaviour The Spiny-tailed Gecko is a slow moving ‘branch mimic’ that spends nearly all its time in shrubs, only moving to the ground to forage or lay eggs. If agitated or threatened the Spiny-tail will exude a dark noxious liquid from the tail. This substance is sticky and has a strong unpleasant odour – watch out!