its adult size is up to 90mm in total length, including the tail. as with all "uroplatus" geckos the tail is flattened, but the leaf-like appearance is only seen in the "ebenaui" complex ("u. phantasticus", "u. ebenaui", and "u. malama"; although the tail size is much reduced in "u. ebenaui"). it has often been debated whether "u. phantasticus" is in fact the same species as "u. ebenaui" (the nosy bé flat-tailed gecko). however "u. phantasticus" possesses more, and longer, spines on the head, body and trunk. other members of the genus "uroplatus" have flattened tails that serve more to diminish the profile of the gecko while it is inactive. some "u. phantasticus" geckos even have notches in their tails to further mimic a decaying leaf. this is also thought to be a form of sexual dimorphism, as the trait seems more common in the males of the species. in addition, "u. phantasticus" has an eyelash-like projection above each eye. during daylight hours, these adaptations help the gecko blend into its surroundings. at night it helps the gecko hunt for prey by providing camouflage.