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Type: Articles
Published: 2004-12-24
Page range: 1–11
Abstract views: 55
PDF downloaded: 8

A new species of Hoplodactylus (Reptilia: Pygopodidae) from the Takitimu Mountains, South Island, New Zealand

216 Ripponvale Road, R.D., Cromwell, New Zealand
New Zealand Arthropod Collection, Private Bag 92170, Auckland, New Zealand
Reptilia taxonomy endemism conservation

Abstract

A gecko from alpine scree in the Takitimu Mountains, South Island, New Zealand, is described as Hoplodactylus cryptozoicus n. sp. Hoplodactylus cryptozoicus is characterized by an orange mouth lining, a short tail, minute body scales, and a distinctive colour pattern which includes bright orange patches. It may be closely related to H. nebulosus (McCann) based on the sharing of grey pigment on the tongue. Hoplodactylus cryptozoicus is known from only a single locality and is one of the few species of Hoplodactylus in New Zealand that inhabits rocks in the alpine zone.

References

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