Mokohinau gecko
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| Mokohinau gecko | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Infraorder: | Gekkota |
| Family: | Diplodactylidae |
| Genus: | Dactylocnemis |
| Species: | D. "Mokohinau" |
| Binomial name | |
| Dactylocnemis "Mokohinau" | |
 | |
| Distribution of the Mokohinau gecko on a North Island map Known native range | |
The Mokohinau gecko (Dactylocnemis "Mokohinau") is an undescribed species of gecko found in the Mokohinau Islands, 100 km (62 mi) north of Auckland in the Auckland Region of New Zealand.[2][3]
Currently Dactylocnemis pacificus is the only described member of the genus Dactylocnemis, however five geographically isolated populations, including the Mokohinau gecko, likely represent distinct species.[3] The Mokohinau gecko has been variously referred to as Hoplodactylus "Mokohinau", Hoplodactylus "Mokohinaus", Dactylocnemis "Mokohinaus" and Dactylocnemis "Mokohinau". The interim name was standardised as Dactylocnemis "Mokohinau" in 2014.[4]
Description
The gecko has a length of up to 90 mm (3.5 in), with its tail making up approximately half of its total body length.[5] The species is highly variable in colour and pattern, often grey, brown or olive green with a cream-coloured underside.[5] Often geckos will have a mustard-yellow crescent on their necks.[6] The species has brown or olive-coloured eyes, and 3-4 large cloacal spurs on other side of its body.[6] It can be distinguished from Duvaucel's gecko due to adult Mokohinau geckos being smaller in size, and having fewer subdigital lamellae (between 10 and 14).[6]
