The genus Nephrurus, collectively referred to as the knob-tailed geckos (or “knob-tails”), comprises several species of small, desert-dwelling, drought-tolerant Australian gecko.

They are named for their stubby, knob-like tails, and are also easily identified by their rather large eyes.

This adaptation of enlarged eyes is indicative of an animal’s lifestyle being predominantly crepuscular or nocturnal.

Lizards of this genus are easily distinguished by their short bodies, large heads, small legs, and short, carrot-shaped tails that often end in a small knob.

[1] The former Nephrurus milii Bory de Saint-Vincent, 1823, is now Underwoodisaurus milii (Bory de Saint-Vincent, 1823) – barking gecko.