Strophurus ciliaris

Northern Spiny-tailed Gecko

Small spines above the eyes and along the tail invite a closer look.

Reference photo, not the individual on display. Credits appear below.

Care commitment Specialist setup

Habitat Ground & cover

Visiting Watch quietly

Meet your new acquaintance

Nickname Spiny Branch Percher

Uses shrubs; forages mainly at night

Species highlights

More than spines in the tail

Tail shedding is only one gecko defence. Strophurus also has tail secretion structures that can release sticky material under threat, not a hidden needle-like sting.

Early descriptions used older generic names, so connecting those records to current taxonomy matters.

Recognising the structures and ordinary posture is enough for a complete account. Evidence can explain a defence without requiring the displayed animal to perform it.

Feature sources:

Australian Museum · Northern Spiny-tailed Gecko (historical name Diplodactylus ciliaris)

At a glance

Strophurus ciliaris uses shrubs and branches in arid and semi-arid Australia. It mainly hunts at night and can rest among vegetation by day; branch-dwelling does not necessarily mean a permanently wet rainforest habitat.

Shrubs exist in dry country too, offering support, light and airflow different from ground level. Posture and darker-hour insect hunting fit that setting, rather than implying rainforest climate.

This egg-laying gecko combines eye and tail projections with defensive secretion structures. A quiet resting posture and a protective system are parts of the same animal.

Common names Northern Spiny-tailed Gecko; Strophurus ciliaris

Scientific name Strophurus ciliaris

Native rangeDry and semi-dry parts of Australia

Adult sizeAbout 12–16 cm total length

ActivityUses shrubs; forages mainly at night

Diet Use varied, appropriately sized, gut-loaded insects, with calcium and vitamins matched to lighting and diet. Fruit puree is not a complete staple for this species.

Habitat & care

Provide branches, cover, ventilation and controlled local warmth and light. Include shade rather than recreating a sealed humid rainforest.

Values guide routine care, not breeding or brumation. Dimensions are length × width × height for one adult unless stated otherwise; larger animals need more space.

TemperatureLocal warm area About 32°C The cited breeder uses an air gradient around 21–29°C, with a separate small warm perch. Do not heat the whole enclosure to 32°C.

HumidityMist then dry The source gives no fixed RH target. Locally mist 2–3 times weekly as a starting frequency, adjusting to drying speed; provide water and a humid retreat.

LightingGentle light & shade Provide a light cycle and cover; assess lighting and supplementation together.

Space45×45×60 cm Recommended starting size; connect climbing routes at different heights, add cover and allow safe lamp clearance.

Look a little closer

Compare the small projections around the eyes with the spiny tail scales. On a twig, locate the contacts of limbs, belly and tail. During a move, follow the turn along the branch and the toes finding their next footholds.

Care note: Preserve ventilation and shelter, and never test its defensive response.

About this profile

Size ranges are reference values; sex, origin and age affect appearance.

Profile status: Reference profile · Reviewed 2026-10-20

References (5)

Photo: Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Strophurus_ciliaris.jpg CC BY 4.0 · Original image, credit and licence

Behaviour notes describe the species, not a promise about every individual. These care notes introduce its needs; ask our team about the animal on display and any supervised encounters.