Turnip-tailed gecko

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Turnip-tailed gecko (Thecadactylus rapicauda) is a large gecko found from Mexico through Central America to South America and on many Lesser Antilles islands. It is listed as Least Concern by conservationists. It was long thought to be the only member of its genus until 2007, when T. solimoensis was described. The gecko can reach about 12 cm long from snout to vent. Its color varies from pale gray to dark gray to deep orange, and individuals can change color. It can chirp, mainly at night. Its swollen tail stores fat, and the tail can be waved as a threat and can be shed to distract predators. It is nocturnal and often seen 5–30 feet up palm tree trunks. In Rondônia, Brazil, the Kwaza people call it tai-marɛɁa. Predators include the bat Chrotopterus auritus. Parasites include the malarial parasite Plasmodium aurulentum.