# Henkel's Leaf-Tailed Gecko (*uroplatus henkeli*) The Henkel's Leaf-Tailed Gecko is a master of disguise! Its amazing leaf-like shape helps it blend in perfectly with the forest leaves. - **Category:** [Reptiles](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/reptile) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Tropical forests of Madagascar - **Also known as:** Henkel's Gecko, Leaf-Tailed Gecko, Madagascar Leaf-Tailed Gecko ![Henkel's Leaf-Tailed Gecko](https://inaturalist-open-data.s3.amazonaws.com/photos/3012082/medium.jpg) Photo: Nick Block, CC BY 4.0 · [iNaturalist](https://www.inaturalist.org/photos/3012082) ## Appearance The Henkel'S Leaf-Tailed Gecko has a flattened body with intricate patterns of grey, brown, and green, perfectly mimicking tree bark or dead leaves. Its broad, serrated tail resembles a decaying leaf. It features large, unblinking eyes and a wide, triangular head. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Squamata - **Order:** Lacertilia - **Family:** Gekkonidae - **Genus:** Uroplatus ## Interesting facts - Their scientific name, \*Uroplatus\*, means 'flat tail' in ancient Greek! - These geckos can flatten their bodies incredibly thin to hide in tree crevices! - They often sit head-down on tree trunks, waiting perfectly still for prey! - Unlike most lizards, they don't have eyelids and lick their eyes clean! ## Special abilities - **Master Disguise Artist:** Henkel'S Leaf-Tailed Gecko can blend perfectly into its surroundings because of its flattened body and jagged skin patterns. - **Leafy Tail Illusion:** Henkel'S Leaf-Tailed Gecko has a flat, notched tail that mimics dead leaves, helping them disappear perfectly. - **Night Vision Goggles:** Henkel'S Leaf-Tailed Gecko has massive eyes that help them see tiny insects in the darkest jungle nights. - **Sticky Paws:** Henkel'S Leaf-Tailed Gecko can cling to vertical surfaces thanks to special adhesive pads on its toes. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 15-20 cm - **Weight:** 0.01-0.03 kg - **Lifespan:** 6-10 years - **Speed:** 2 km/h - **Clutch Size:** 1-2 - **Incubation:** 60-90 days ## Diet & Feeding Tiny hunters, these geckos feast on insects and other small invertebrates under the cloak of night. - **Primary Foods:** Crickets, Moths, Spiders, Cockroaches, Beetles - **Foraging Method:** Ambush ## Ecological connections - **Eats:** Mediterranean Field Cricket (*Gryllus bimaculatus*) — hunts in the dark - **Eaten by:** Madagascar Tree Boa (*Sanzinia madagascariensis*) — a nocturnal snake predator - **Eaten by:** Madagascar Harrier-Hawk (*Polyboroides radiatus*) — hunted by keen-eyed birds - **Shelter:** Madagascar Rosewood (*Dalbergia baronii*) — rests camouflaged on trunks ## Traits - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Arboreal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/arboreal): Arboreal animals live primarily in trees, utilizing them for shelter, food, and protection from predators. - [Camouflaged](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/camouflaged): Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment. - [Carnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/carnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue. - [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day. ## Collections - [Reptiles](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/reptiles) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low No special safety notes yet. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Henkel's Leaf-Tailed Gecko? Compare toes, scales, head shape, crests and tail proportions. Many lizards can drop and regrow their tails, so a short tail isn't always a species trait. Lizard Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Henkel's Leaf-Tailed Gecko? 15-20 cm ### How much does Henkel's Leaf-Tailed Gecko weigh? 0.01-0.03 kg ### How long does Henkel's Leaf-Tailed Gecko live? 6-10 years ### How fast can Henkel's Leaf-Tailed Gecko move? 2 km/h ### What does Henkel's Leaf-Tailed Gecko eat? Tiny hunters, these geckos feast on insects and other small invertebrates under the cloak of night. ### Where is Henkel's Leaf-Tailed Gecko usually found? Tropical forests of Madagascar ### How does Henkel's Leaf-Tailed Gecko hunt? Ambush ## More Reptiles - [Pond Slider](https://www.snappit.app/explore/pond-slider) (*Trachemys scripta*) - [Western Fence Lizard](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-fence-lizard) (*Sceloporus occidentalis*) - [Common Five-lined Skink](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-five-lined-skink) (*Plestiodon fasciatus*) - [Desert Spiny Lizard](https://www.snappit.app/explore/desert-spiny-lizard) (*Sceloporus magister*) --- Source: [Henkel's Leaf-Tailed Gecko: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/henkels-leaf-tailed-gecko)