Caudal Morphology of the Knob-Tailed Geckos, Genus Nephrurus (Reptilia, Gekkonidae), With Special Reference to the Tail Tip

Abstract

The tail of lizards in the Australian gekkonid genus Nephrurus bears a characteristically expanded distal tip, the caudal knob. Anatomical and histological investigation of the knob reveals it to be an integumentary derivative with a massively hypertrophied dermal component. The knob's structure indicates that it is probably used to monitor the environment by detecting mechanical stimuli via the profuse array of sensilla on its surface. The vascular supply to it suggests that the knob may also be involved in thermoregulation.