Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi:

Unfortunately, one of my male phantasticus lost his tail while I was away on vacation. It has been a bit over one month now, and still no sign of a new tail... Is anyone familiar with tail regeneration in Uroplatus? I have read that they can regerate their tails, but I have been unable to find the time frame in which they are able to do so. Any info would be much appreciated!

Thanks!

Squamateguy

>>Hi:
phantasticus do not regenerate tails.

Bummer! Can tailless geckos still do well (breed, attain normal lifespan)? Any info would be greatly appreciated...

Thanks!

an old regular around here, ben smith, once hypothesized that tailless and even possibly regenerated tails can have an effect on the male's breeding potential. he's got a valid point, and that is tied to the fact that males will often use their tails to curl around a female and grip better, possibly aim better. a tailless male is going to have that much less dexterity, and perhaps regenerated tails have that much less maneuverability/sensitivity/whatever, which could lead to less successful breeding efforts. of course, if i remember correctly, he was mentioning this henkeli, not phantasticus...but the point could be equally as valid when considering phantasticus.

otherwise, a tailless individual shouldnt have any trouble, except maybe getting used to not having that counter-weight as it moves around.
-----
-Mike Martin
North Carolina