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Text and photos by Nick Baker, unless otherwise stated

 EcologyAsia 2008
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Smooth-backed Gliding Gecko
   

Photographed at Khao Phra Taew National Park, Phuket, Thailand.

Family : GEKKONIDAE
Species : Ptychozoon lionotum
Size (snout to vent) : 8 cm
Size (total length) : 16 cm

References : H1, H3

Geckos of the genus Ptychozoon are adapted to a gliding lifestyle, having evolved large webbed feet, lateral skin flaps along the body, and a broad flattened tail. The Smooth-backed Gliding Gecko is mainly nocturnal, but can be found resting on tree trunks by day. It prefers areas of primary forest, and less disturbed secondary forest.

This species can be is distinguished from other gliding geckos by the tail lappets which point slightly backward, and by the less intense patterning.

It ranges from Burma to Thailand and Peninsular Malaysia.


Above : the backward pointing tail lappets.
Right : Close-up of the head.