Soft Spiny-tailed Gecko - Strophurus spinigerus inornatus
A small lizard with very attractive gold speckled and orange rimmed eyes, and is the only species in the Esperance region with two rows of black (soft) spines either side of the tail. Between 4-5 inches (130 mm in total length), it is commonly found on or near the ground, although it will also climb into shrubs or sedge/grass tussocks. It seldom enters houses, preferring to remain outside, sheltering under bark or in small hollows. Not as common as the Marbled Gecko, although usually only seen at night during spring and early summer.
I have never seen this gecko species without a tail although they are capable of dropping it if required. In self-defence they prefer to squirt a sticky, quick drying fluid from glands within the tail, but will only do so in dire emergencies. For more details see: http://natureitems.blogspot.com/2007/01/17-esperance-geckos-one-agile-one-not.html
