Criptic's Page On Herps - Reptiles - Rhacodactylus - Mossy Prehensile-tailed Geckos

prehensile-tailed gecko is Rhacodactylus chahoua. They reach a maximum snout-to-vent length of 5.7 inches and reach a total length of about 10 inches. This species is the 3rd largest Rhacodactylus. They have an attractive lichenous coloration, stout proportions, and large gold eyes.

The morphs are variable and include; copper-red with dark middorsal blotches. Broad bands of bright white over the shoulders and pelvic areas.

This is a long-lived Rhacodactylus that can easily reach 20 years, and expected to be able to reach 30 years.

The mossy prehensile-tailed gecko has the most prehensile-tail of the Rhacodactylus. It will coil its tail into a spiral similar to chameleons. They are reluctant to autotomize their tails. If they do autotomize their tails at the base, they will only grow back a small stubby tail. If they autotomize their tails further down from the base, they will partially regenerate their tail.

Sexing

Once a mossy prehensile-tailed gecko reaches adult size, they are very easy to sex. Males will have a pronounced hemipenile bulge and enlarged cloacal spurs. Juveniles can be sexed once they reach a snout-to-vent length of 3 inches. If viewed under a magnifying glass, you should be able to see the presence of pre-anal pores in males.

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