New Zealand Native Animals > Common Gecko

Common Gecko

Hoplodactylus maculatus

ENDEMIC; COMM0N; RESIDENT

DISTRIBUTION: New Zealands most widespread and abundant gecko. Common throughout the North and South Islands especially in coastal regions. They are however rare on Stewart Island.

HABITAT: Common geckos can be found in all types of open country from coastal dunes and stoney beaches (the only gecko likely to be found on the beach), to boulder strewn hillsides.

BREEDING: New Zealand geckos are unique because they give birth to live young. The common gecko gives birth to twins in late summer but gives no parental care.

FOOD: They are primarily nocturnal so food consists mainly of night flying insects such as moths and beetles, occasionally supplemented by nectar and fruit.

VOICE: Geckos are vocal, uttering various sounds from soft chirps to loud barks.

GENERAL: Their overall length is about 14 cm and they will often live as long as 17 years. They have unique ‘suction-pad’ toes that give them the ability to climb smooth hard surfaces and many species are able to sprint upside down across a ceiling. A distinguishing feature of all geckos is their loose fitting skin covered in minute scales giving a ‘velvety’ appearance, unlike the sleek gloss of skinks.


© New Zealand Conservation Trust 2006 - 2010, 60 Hussey Rd, Harewood, Christchurch Phone: +64 3 359 6226, Fax: +64 3 359 6212, Email: info@nzconservationtrust.org.nz		Privacy \| Disclaimer \| Site Map website by digitise