The Mokohinau gecko (Dactylocnemis "Mokohinau") is an undescribed species of gecko found in the Mokohinau Islands, north of Auckland in the Auckland Region of New Zealand.[1]
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.[2] 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.[3]
The gecko has a length of up to, with its tail making up approximately half of its total body length.[4] The species is highly variable in colour and pattern, often grey, brown or olive green with a cream-coloured underside.[4] Often geckos will have a mustard-yellow crescent on their necks.[5] The species has brown or olive-coloured eyes, and 3-4 large cloacal spurs on other side of its body.[5] 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).[5]
The species living in semi-arboreal coastal and cliff habitats and is nocturnal,[6] although on occasion may be seen sun basking.[5] The species may occasionally enter water and be pray for marine fish species surrounding the islands.[6] Other than around rocks and rock crevices, Mokohinau geckos can often be found on Muehlenbeckia vines, flax, trees or below dense vegetation.[5] Typically the species reproduces annually, giving birth to one or two babies during the late summer or early autumn.[4] The species primarily eats insects.[4]
The Mokohinau gecko is found exclusively in the Mokohinau Islands of the Auckland Region, New Zealand.[7]