Pacific gecko
A species of Dactylocnemis Scientific name : Dactylocnemis pacificus Genus : Dactylocnemis
Pacific gecko, A species of Dactylocnemis
Scientific name: Dactylocnemis pacificus
Genus: Dactylocnemis
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Dave Waters , used under CC-BY-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
Dactylocnemis pacificus, the Pacific gecko or Pacific sticky-toed gecko, is a species in the family Gekkonidae, endemic to the North Island and offshore islands of New Zealand.
General Info
Lifespan
6-8 years
Diet
Pacific gecko primarily subsists on a diet of invertebrates, focusing on snails and slugs. This arboreal species also supplement its diet with earthworms and arthropods, demonstrating an opportunistic feeding behaviour.
Appearance
Pacific gecko is a medium-sized lizard, having a slender body covered with rough, granular scales. Its primary coloration is a mix of green and brown, blending well with forest vegetation. Adult males stand out with their larger size and more prominent dorsal crest running from the neck down the tail. One of its striking features is its long and delicate toes, specifically adapted for climbing trees.
Behavior
Pacific gecko exhibits a solitary, nocturnal lifestyle, mainly functioning under low light conditions in its forest habitat. Its primary diet includes invertebrates such as slugs and worms. Known for its distinctive calls used in territorial defense and mating, this species presents a unique survival adaptation through its powerful hind limbs which aid in rapid escape from predators.
Population
Stable
Photo By Dave Waters , used under CC-BY-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Australasian geckos Genus
Dactylocnemis Species
Pacific gecko