Iranian Fat-tailed Gecko
Regenstein Small Mammal-Reptile House
Did You Know?
- These reptiles are part of the Eublepharis genus, which includes several species of leopard geckos.
- Iranian fat-tailed geckos have movable eyelids and vertical slit pupils; other geckos have a protective membrane over their eyes, which they can lick clean.
- Their scientific name angramainyu comes from a spirit in the Iranian religion of Zoroastrianism and refers to the gecko’s nocturnal nature.
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Overview
Scientific Name: Eublepharis angramainyu
Class: Reptiles
Diet: Insects, scorpions, spiders, and small lizards
Range: Northwestern Syria, northern Iraq, central Iran, and Turkey
Endangered Status: Least Concern
More Information
Like other leopard geckos, Iranian fat-tailed geckos have yellow skin with black spots. Their tails are segmented; they can be detached to evade predators and will grow back. These geckos also have clawed toes. Also, the shape of their auditory system makes it possible to shine a light directly through their heads from the side. They can get up to 8 inches long.
These geckos live in dry and semi-dry deserts. They may lay two eggs at a time. The sex of their offspring is determined by temperatures during incubation, which lasts about 50 days. Young geckos reach maturity at around 18 months.
