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Description
Spearpoint Leaf-Tailed Gecko (Uroplatus ebenaui)
Scientific Name: Uroplatus ebenaui
Common Name: Spearpoint Leaf-Tailed Gecko
Species Overview
Size: Adults typically reach 4 to 5 inches (10 to 13 cm) in total length, making them one of the smallest members of the Uroplatus genus.
Appearance: The Spearpoint Leaf-Tailed Gecko is named for the pointed, spear-like tip of its tail. Its body is flattened and highly camouflaged, with skin flanges along the sides that help break up its outline against tree bark. Colouration ranges from warm browns and reddish tones to mottled greys, often resembling dried leaves or rough bark. Their head is triangular with large, expressive eyes suited for nocturnal vision. Their compact size and natural camouflage make them exceptionally well adapted to rainforest life.
Distribution: Native to northern Madagascar, including humid lowland and montane forest regions.
Habitat: This species occupies rainforest environments where it rests motionless during the day along tree trunks, branches, or within dense foliage. In captivity, they require tall, naturalistic setups with vertical surfaces, bark panels, and heavy plant cover.
Behaviour: Spearpoint Leaf-Tailed Geckos are nocturnal, secretive, and slow-moving. They rely heavily on camouflage and tend to freeze when threatened. They should not be handled and are best appreciated as display animals.
Captive Care
Enclosure: A vertically oriented enclosure measuring 24 inches × 18 inches × 24 inches (60 × 45 × 60 cm) is ideal for a single adult or a small pair. Furnish the enclosure with cork bark sheets, upright branches, leaf litter, and dense foliage. A soil or bioactive substrate helps maintain humidity and create natural microclimates.
Temperature & Humidity: Maintain daytime temperatures of 72 to 78°F (22 to 26°C), with nighttime drops to 68 to 72°F (20 to 22°C). Avoid high heat entirely, as this species is sensitive. Humidity should remain between 70 and 90%, with frequent misting to provide hydration and sustain moisture levels.
Lighting: Provide low UVB (2 to 5%) for 12 hours daily. Though nocturnal, Uroplatus geckos benefit from gentle UV exposure. Lighting should be diffuse and cool to avoid stressing the gecko.
Diet: Offer small, soft-bodied insects such as crickets, roaches, silkworms, small hornworms, and moths. Juveniles should be fed daily, while adults can be fed every 2 to 3 days. All insects must be gut-loaded and dusted with calcium and multivitamins. Hydration is primarily obtained from mist droplets rather than water dishes.
Behaviour in Captivity: When provided with stable humidity, dense cover, and minimal disturbance, these geckos thrive. They perch on vertical surfaces, utilise foliage for hiding, and hunt slowly and deliberately at night.
Special Considerations: Spearpoint Leaf-Tailed Geckos are sensitive to dehydration, heat stress, and poor airflow. Handling should be avoided. Ensure the enclosure has strong ventilation even with high humidity.
Taxonomy Note
The Spearpoint Leaf-Tailed Gecko belongs to the genus Uroplatus, a group of highly specialised Madagascan geckos that exhibit extreme camouflage and unique nocturnal behaviours. Uroplatus ebenaui is among the smallest members of the genus and is adapted to resemble dried foliage.
Genetics Note
There are no recognised morphs or selectively bred variants of the Spearpoint Leaf-Tailed Gecko. Natural locality-based variation exists in colour and subtle pattern differences, but no formal morphs are present in the pet trade.