Scorpion Tail Gecko (Pristurus carteri)

Scientific Name: Pristurus carteri
Common Name: Scorpion Tail Gecko

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Species Overview

Size: Adults typically reach 2.5 to 3.5 inches (6 to 9 cm) in total length, making them a small, delicate species within the Pristurus genus.

Appearance: The Scorpion Tail Gecko features a slender, fine-boned frame with a narrow head and a long, tapering tail often held in a raised, curled posture reminiscent of a scorpion, which gives the species its name. Colouration ranges from sandy beige to warm grey, with scattered speckling or faint banding that blends well into desert rock and soil. Their limbs are thin but agile, and males often display slightly thicker tail bases and subtle pattern differences.

Distribution: Native to northeastern Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, particularly coastal and rocky regions of Yemen, Oman, and surrounding areas.

Habitat: In the wild, this species inhabits arid and semi-arid landscapes including rocky plateaus, desert edges, wadis, and coastal cliffs. They shelter beneath stones or within crevices during peak heat. In captivity, they thrive in dry, spacious setups with textured surfaces and numerous hiding opportunities.

Behaviour: Scorpion Tail Geckos are diurnal to crepuscular, a unique trait among many geckos. They are active, alert, and territorial, especially males. Their movements are quick and precise, often accompanied by tail posturing used for communication. They are best suited as display animals due to their small size and speed.

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Captive Care

Enclosure: A horizontally oriented enclosure measuring at least 18 inches × 12 inches × 12 inches (45 × 30 × 30 cm) is suitable for a pair or small group, though males should not be housed together. Provide stacked rocks, slate pieces, small branches, and fine-textured surfaces that allow for natural climbing and perching.

Temperature & Humidity: Maintain a warm side of 90 to 95°F (32 to 35°C) with a cooler area around 75 to 80°F (24 to 27°C). Nighttime temperatures can drop to 68 to 72°F (20 to 22°C). Humidity should remain low at 20 to 35%, with dry air and excellent ventilation.

Lighting: Provide full-spectrum lighting with low to moderate UVB (2 to 5%) for 10 to 12 hours daily. As a diurnal gecko, UVB access is beneficial and contributes significantly to natural behaviour and bone health.

Diet: Feed a selection of appropriately sized insects such as pinhead crickets, small roaches, fruit flies, bean beetles, and micro mealworms. Due to their small size, food items must be tiny and offered frequently. Juveniles may require daily feeding, while adults can be fed every 1 to 2 days. All prey should be gut-loaded and lightly dusted with calcium and multivitamin supplements. A shallow water source or light misting may provide hydration.

Behaviour in Captivity: When acclimated, these geckos are highly active and fascinating to observe. They perform tail displays, rapid dashes, and perched scanning behaviour. They appreciate open basking areas and flat rock shelves.

Special Considerations: Their diminutive size and speed make handling inadvisable. Enclosures must be escape-proof with fine mesh or tight-fitting lids. Males should be separated to avoid conflict.

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Taxonomy Note

The Scorpion Tail Gecko belongs to the genus Pristurus, often referred to as semaphore geckos due to their distinctive tail-raising and signalling behaviours. This genus is primarily diurnal and adapted to arid environments, setting them apart from many other gecko groups.

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Genetics Note

There are no recognised morphs or selectively bred variants of the Scorpion Tail Gecko. Natural variation is subtle and typically expressed as minor differences in tone and speckling across their geographic range.