About Saltuarius cornutus (Ogilby, 1892)
Saltuarius cornutus is a large gecko with a triangular head and narrow neck. It reaches a body length of up to 14 cm, and has an 8 cm broad, leaf-shaped tail. Unlike most geckos, it has clawed toes and no adhesive toe discs, a trait that is likely associated with its arboreal lifestyle. Its body is flattened, and its limbs are long and spindly. The dorsal surface of its body is covered in sharply pointed tubercles, which are the eponymous "horns" referenced in its name. Its camouflage coloration strongly resembles bark mottled with lichen. Its scientific name translates to "Horned Keeper of the Forest". This species lives in trees, uses its leaf-like tail to blend into its surroundings, and feeds on insects. It is a nocturnal tree-dwelling species that inhabits warm temperate and tropical rainforests, as well as wet sclerophyll forests. It typically occurs at elevations above 750 m, found in the Coastal Ranges and Great Dividing Ranges from northeastern Queensland south to Taree in New South Wales.
