Common gecko

Taxobox
name = Common gecko


status =
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Reptilia
ordo = Squamata
familia = Gekkonidae
genus = "Hoplodactylus"
species = "H. maculatus"
binomial = "Hoplodactylus maculatus"
binomial_authority =
synonyms =

The common gecko, "Hoplodactylus maculatus", is a species of gecko in the family Gekkonidae. The specific epithet "maculatus" means "speckled" and refers to the distinctive spots found on the type specimen."New Zealand Frogs and Reptiles", Brian Gill and Tony Whitaker, David Bateman limited, 2001 ]

Distribution

The common gecko is endemic to New Zealand, widespread in the North Island, especially in coastal regions. Widespread throughout the South Island. Rare on Stewart Island.

Habitat

Forests, scrub and grassland, from seashore to alpine vegetation zone.

Description

Coloration is a variety of shades of brown and grey, with paler patches which may be stripey, or irregular markings, with a paler underside. The head is broad in relation to the body.

Ecology

The common gecko spends much of its time on the ground, but does climb tees and shrubs, and sun-basks.

References

* [http://www.reptiles.org.nz/geckocommon.htm New Zealand Herpetological Society]
* [http://www.gekkota.org/html/h__maculatus.html Photo]