Hoplodactylus

Hoplodactylus duvaucelii

The Aotearoa New Zealand brown or gray geckos geckos ( Hoplodactylus ) are one of two New Zealand genera ( " Aotearoa " is the māori name for New Zealand) from the family of double finger geckos ( Diplodactylidae ). The genus is currently divided into two types ( as at 29 January 2012).

Appearance

Grey New Zealand geckos are mainly gray, brown or olive colored. On a gray, brownish or olive reason that the various representatives are drawn with species-specific, very different patterns of light and dark spots or stripes.

The body underside is often brightly colored and differently marked than the top. The head-body length can at Duvaucels Gecko ( Hoplodactylus duvaucelli ), the largest living species, reaching up to 16 centimeters, the maximum total length is about 23 centimeters. For the other species, the head-body length is for adult forms between six and 10 centimeters, the total length usually at about 14 to 18 centimeters. The extinct within the last two hundred years Kawekaweau Gecko ( Hoplodactylus delcourti ) was the extent known, the world's largest gecko species. It was only in 1986 scientifically described by an early 19th century caught specimen which has since been preserved in a French museum.

Distribution and habitat

The genus Hoplodactylus occurs only in New Zealand, on the two main islands. Their representatives colonize diverse habitats from the coast to the high mountains.

Lifestyle and behavior

Depending on the type, the brown geckos keep mostly on trees, bushes or on the ground between grass, wood and stones, some species penetrate into the building. The habitat of the species and their climbing behavior is also reflected in the expression of its toes resist (see above) In contrast to the closely related Aotearoa green geckos geckos Brown not use their tail as a prehensile organ when climbing. All species are mainly nocturnal, but many can also be observed frequently during the day while sunbathing. Aotearoa - gray geckos can change their body color: Probably all species are able to lighten or darken their body surface and thus are able to regulate the absorption of heat, which is important because they are ektotherm ( cold-blooded ). Some species can also adapt their coloration of the environment and to improve their camouflage. When threatened, the gray gecko can jettison its tail.

Food

The Green Geckos feed on arthropods, with the preferred prey of many species are insects.

Reproduction

Young gray geckos still leave egg in the womb of their mother, however, is beyond the shell immediately after it. This reproduction is referred to as Ovoviviparie.

Life

In moist cool climate of New Zealand, the brown geckos develop relatively slowly and, since no predators occur on many smaller islands reach in nature probably an age of more than 36 years, as for example by Duvaucels Gecko ( Hoplodactylus duvaucelli ) and the commons Grey Gecko ( Hoplodactylus maculatus ) is reported.

Species

• Hoplodactylus delcourti Bauer & Russell, 1986
• Hoplodactylus duvaucelii ( Duméril & Bibron, 1836)