Description
Very similar in pattern and colour to the forest gecko (M. granulatus); however, there is usually more green and brown rather than grey, and the pattern is less distinct. The area of the belly is finely speckled. Individuals may undergo minor colour changes. Throat pattern is distinctly mottled. Lining of mouth bright orange, tongue orange with a dark grey patch, eyes large and prominent. Snout more rounded than other species of Mokopirirakau.
Cloudy gecko reach SVL (snout-vent-lengths) of up to 96mm; tail usually shorter or equal to SVL.
Click here for information on how cloudy gecko differ in appearance from other species in the Mokopirirakau group.
Life expectancy
Estimates for captive animals of the Mokopirirakau species complex range from 20-30 years (D. Keall, personal communication, September 21, 2016).
Distribution
Stewart Island and outlying islands.
A full distribution map for is available on the Mokipirirakau species complex page.
Ecology and habitat
An arboreal species which inhabit forest and scrub areas, preferring a cold and wet climate.
Social structure
Mokopirirakau species are generally solitary. Vocalisation among Mokopirirakaucan be described as chirrups or shrill squeals when stressed.
Breeding biology
Largely unknown.
Diet
Invertebrates.
Disease
Largely unknown.
Conservation
DOC classify the species as 'recovering'.
References
- Jewell, T. (2011). A photographic guide to reptiles and amphibians of New Zealand. Auckland: New Holland Publishers.
- Hitchmough, R.A. (1997). A systematic review of the New Zealand Gekkonidae. Unpublished doctoral dissertation. Victoria University: Wellington, New Zealand.
- Hitchmough, R.A., Barr, B., Lettink, M., Monks, J., Reardon, J., Tocher, M., van Winkel, D., Rolfe, J. (2016). Conservation status of New Zealand reptiles, 2015; New Zealand threat classification series 17. Wellington: New Zealand Department of Conservation.
- Nielsen, S.V., Bauer, A.M., Jackman, T.R., Hitchmough, R.A., & Daugherty, C.H. (2011). New Zealand geckos (Diplodactylidae): cryptic diversity in a post-Gondwanan lineage with trans-Tasman affinities. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 59, 1–2.
- Robb, J. (1980). New Zealand amphibians and reptiles in colour. Auckland: William Collins Publishers Ltd.
- Robb, J. (1986). New Zealand amphibians and reptiles. Auckland: Collins.