Size: Up to 82 mm SVL*. Males are larger and bulkier
than females. The head of this gecko is large and blends
into the shape of the body with neck barely visible.
The iris of the eye is metallic yellow to greenish. The
body is gray-brown with darker mottling and a banded
tail. Toe pads are expanded. Juveniles look totally different
from the adults. They are extremely thin with contrasting
light and dark bands from head to tail, with darker bands
on the tail culminating in a totally white tail tip.
It is possible predators may focus on the white tail
tip, which would break off, thereby allowing the juvenile
to escape.
Each adult female lays a single egg but several eggs
may be found together indicating communal nesting. As
with other geckos, the eggs take a very long time to
hatch.
The Wood Slave has an unexpectedly loud vocalization
in the form of an extended croak that echoes through
the forest. It is crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk)
and eats insects. It lives in trees, particularly fig
trees (Ficus sp.). During the day it will find
shady spots, sometimes in cavities and has even been
found in carports or covered decks. |
