Description
Mossy appearance, due to complex patterns of white and yellow shades against green colouration of body. Ventral (lower) surfaces paler than dorsal (upper). Lining of mouth blue, tongue orange/pink. Mouths usually have small spot of bright yellow at corners. Eyes are dark olive, pupils often have pale border. Toes narrow and tapering, soles of feet and toes yellow or yellowish green in colour. West Coast green gecko typically reach SVL (snout-vent-lengths) of 77-85mm.
Life expectancy
The lifespan of West Coast green gecko is largely unknown. Other Naultinus species typically reach up to 25 years.
Distribution
West coast of the South Island.
Ecology and habitat
West coast green gecko are diurnal (active during the day) and 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 autumn. In captivity west coast green gecko typically give birth in April/May. Sexual maturity is reached between one and two years. Some keepers have noticed that green gecko in captivity appear to express ‘choice’ as to when to mate and reproduce according to conditions (D. Keall, personal communication, September 22, 2016).
Diet
The diet of west coast 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 'nationally vulnerable'.
References
- Gill, B.J., & Whitaker, A.H. (1996). New Zealand frogs and reptiles. Auckland: David Bateman Limited.
- 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.
- 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.