Northland Green Gecko

The New Zealand Northland Green gecko is a Naultinus gecko. Generally found in New Zealand, Northland, North of Whangaroa. Usually found in habitats like Arboreal (among trees). This is an endangered species in New Zealand therefore has been protected.

Diet:

The Northland Green Gecko has  a diet of mainly insects and spiders.

 

Physical Appearance:

Physical appearance:Body length from nose to the base of the tail is about 95 mm, 9.5cm. Tail is tapered (gets shorter at one end), and longer than the body. Geckos can be identified from other lizards by their flattened heads and swollen at the sides. The skin of Naultinus is bright green, and many of them  have white or yellow patterns on the back and legs. This species also has a blue-lined mouth and a red tongue.

Adaptations

structural:  

Gecko eyelids are transparent and they are all ways shut which  forms a protective screen. The eye protective screen is cleaned with the tongue. Their toes are long and have curved claws to help climb and stay on branches. However, their toes still have the rows of scales to help cling to smooth surfaces. They can shed their tails if needed, although arboreal geckos seem not to. The tail is useful in climbing. Geckos have well-developed vocal cords and can communicate both by barking or chirping and by clicking their tongues against the roof of the mouth.

Physiological:

All 17 species of New Zealand geckos give birth to live young (usually twins) rather than laying eggs like many lizards. The young are born in autumn, although in captivity births have been recorded much later in the year.

Behavioural:

Many Types if not all choose to sun bask when its hot outside, which is very much like sunbathing untill they have enough energy to continue their day. During this time they are still very alert.