- Northland green gecko
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Northland green gecko 
Northland green gecko at Orana Wildlife Park, Christchurch Scientific classification Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Reptilia Order: Squamata Family: Gekkonidae Genus: Naultinus Species: N. grayii Binomial name Naultinus grayii
Bell, 1843The Northland green gecko, Naultinus grayii, is a gecko found only in the Northland region of New Zealand, north of Whangaroa. Its total length is up to 200 mm, snout to vent up to 95 mm.
The Northland green gecko is vivid green with grey or gold coloured markings on either side along the dorsal edges. Males have a blue band along the sides just below the limbs. Underneath, the surface of both sexes is bright pale green, sometimes with a yellow tinge. The inside of the mouth is deep blue with a bright red tongue.
The Northland green gecko is diurnal, often found sun-basking. It has an arboreal lifestyle, especially favouring stands of manuka, kanuka, and mingimingi.
In 2001 a German tourist was fined $12,000 for attempting to smuggle Northland green geckos out of the country in his underwear.[1]
See also
References
- ^ "Convicted Gecko smuggler gets". New Zealand Government. 1 February 2001. http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/convicted+gecko+smuggler+gets. Retrieved 30 June 2010.
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