Banded Knob Tailed Gecko
| Common Name: | Banded Knob Tailed Gecko |
| Scientific Name: | Nephrurus wheeleri |
| Family: | Carphodactylidae |
| Genus: | Nephrurus |
| Status: | Category 3 |
| Size: | SVL 80 mm |
Banded Knob-tailed Geckos are a pinkish-brown or purplish-brown with four or five broad, dark brown cross-bands on the body and tail, each dark band nearly as wide as the paler interspaces. Their head is large and pale with brown reticulations on the snout and sides of the face. Their bellies are a pale white, and body covered with small flat scales through which are scattered numerous small rosettes, each consisting of a ring of slightly enlarged scales enclosing much larger, raised conical scale, these enlarges tubercles extend onto the nape, flanks, tail and throat. their tail is much longer than it is wide, depressed and ends in a smallish knob.
a terrestrial species inhabiting arid scrub lands, rocky outcrops and spinifex covered stony ranges. Largely restricted to the Murchison and Fortescue river districts, WA
Terrarium: Banded Knob-Tail geckos are a ground dwelling gecko, therefore they do not need an enclosure with much height. A terrarium measuring 45x45x30 (WxDxH) is enough room to comfortably house a trio.
Lighting & heating: UVB lighting is not essential to Banded Knob-Tail geckos, however a low 2.0 spectrum fluorescent globe can be used for viewing purposes. Heating can be provided with a heat rock, tile, mat or cord to maintain a ground surface temperature of 32°C in the hot spot. Ambient heat can be provided with an infrared heat globe to maintain a daytime temperature of 30°C in the warm end and 20°C in the cool end, on warmer days you may not need to turn on the heat globe as the ambient temperature of the enclosure may already be high enough.
Furnishings: Naturally, Banded Knob-Tail Geckos shelter under rocks and loose bark, so providing an enclosure with plenty of hide caves in both the hot and cool end is important. Artificial foliage throughout the enclosure will allow the gecko plenty of hiding spots and coverage. Substrate should be red sand kept at the correct moister with some large pieces of loose bark to provide natural hiding spots. A water bowl will need to be positioned in the cool end of the enclosure.
Food in captivity: Banded Knob-Tail Geckos are insectivores, feeding on appropriate sized crickets and woodies. Food items will need to be dusted with calcium and vitamin supplements.
The essentials:
- Terrarium of appropriate size
- Ground heating
- Thermometer
- Water bowl
- Substrate
- Hide caves
- Foliage for shelter
- Calcium and vitamin supplements
