About Uroplatus sikorae Boettger, 1913
Commonly called the mossy leaf-tailed gecko, Uroplatus sikorae Boettger, 1913 measures 15 to 20 centimetres (6 to 8 inches) from the nose to the base of the tail. It has large, lidless eyes with yellow sclera and elliptical pupils, an adaptation suited to its nocturnal lifestyle. Like all species in the Uroplatus genus, this gecko has a dorso-ventrally flattened tail. Its coloration is specialized for camouflage: most individuals are grayish brown to black or greenish brown, with markings that mimic tree bark, including the lichens and moss that grow on tree bark. This species has dermal flaps, flaps of skin that run along the entire length of its body, head, and limbs. During the day, it can press these flaps against a tree to scatter shadows, making its outline almost completely invisible. It also has a limited ability to change its skin color to match its surroundings. Uroplatus sikorae is endemic to Madagascar. It inhabits primary and secondary forests within the eastern and central tropical forests of the island.
