Nature Field Guide
Turnip-tailed Gecko
- Spanish name
- Geco de cola abultada
- Scientific name
- Thecadactylus rapicauda
What Do Pico & Tati Think?
Pico and Tati invite you to learn about the turnip-tailed gecko. Compare two verified photographs with different tail shapes. Record a difference without trying to catch a gecko.
Species overview
About the Turnip-tailed Gecko
A large native gecko with broad climbing toes. A regenerated tail can have a swollen, turnip-like shape, so the tail’s appearance is not the same in every individual.
Identification
Key Features of the Turnip-tailed Gecko
Broad toe pads.
Mottled brown or gray body.
A thick or swollen tail may be present, especially after regrowth.
Habitat & range
Humid forests, tree trunks and sheltered surfaces in suitable lowland areas.
Local observations
Recorded in Costa Rica. This profile describes suitable habitat, not a confirmed Tamarindo sighting or a guaranteed viewing location.
When to observe
Usually after dark, on an adult-led outing.
Conservation & care
Watch wildlife with an adult from a safe path. Do not touch, feed, capture or move reptiles, and keep pets away. Leave eggs, shelters and vegetation undisturbed.
Observation activity
Compare two verified photographs with different tail shapes. Record a difference without trying to catch a gecko.
Explore by location
Caribbean · Central Pacific · Northern Plains · South Pacific