Description
Bright green, often uniform or marked by 2 rows of white or yellow blotches or stripes (often finely edged with black) down each side of body. Patterns may be edged with black o a darker shade of green. Tongue red, eyes light orange/brown. Soles of feet are light grey green. Aupori green gecko reach SVL (snout-vent-lengths) of 66–67mm.
Life expectancy
Largely unknown. Other species of Naultinus typically reach ages of up to 25 years.
Distribution
Aupori Peninsular, northern tip of North Island.
Ecology and habitat
Aupori green gecko are diurnal (active during the day) and are arboreal (tree dwelling), inhabiting scrubland and forested areas, in particular occupying the foliage of trees and shrubs, including manuka and kanuka trees. All green geckos have prehensile tails which act as a climbing aid.
Social structure
In captive group situations males can display aggressive behaviour towards other males as a result of competition for mates. Green gecko will display aggressive behaviour if threatened; this consists of mouth gaping, biting, lunging, and vocalisation (a barking sound).
Breeding biology
Green gecko are viviparous, giving birth to one or two live young in early autumn to late summer.
Diet
The diet of green gecko consists primarily of insects such as flies, beetles, and moths. Captive and wild green gecko will also eat nectar/honeydew.
Disease
Largely unknown.
Conservation status
DOC classify the species as 'at risk - declining'.
References
- Gill, B.J., & Whitaker, A.H. (1996). New Zealand frogs and reptiles. Auckland: David Bateman Limited.
- Jewell, T. (2011). A photographic guide to reptiles and amphibians of New Zealand. Auckland: New Holland Publishers Ltd.
- Nielson , S.V., Bauer, A.M., Jackman, T.R., Hitchmough, R.A., & Daugherty, C.H. (2011). New Zealand geckos (Diplodactylae): Cryptic diversity in a post-Gondwanan lineage with trans-Tasman affinities. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 59, 1, 1-22.
- Robb, J. (1980). New Zealand amphibians and reptiles in colour. Auckland, New Zealand: Collins.