Mokopirirakau galaxias
| Mokopirirakau galaxias | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Infraorder: | Gekkota |
| Family: | Diplodactylidae |
| Genus: | Mokopirirakau |
| Species: | M. galaxias
|
| Binomial name | |
| Mokopirirakau galaxias Knox, Hitchmough, Nielsen, Jewell, & Bell, 2021
| |
| Distribution of Mokopirirakau galaxias on a map of the South Island Known native range
| |
Mokopirirakau galaxias is a species of gecko that is endemic to New Zealand. Its Māori name is hura te ao. It is in the family Diplodactylidae.[2] Genetic analysis suggests that its closest relatives are the clade comprising the forest gecko (Mokopirirakau granulatus) and the black-eyed gecko (Mokopirirakau kahutarae).[3]
It was discovered in 2018 in alpine greywacke rock outcrops in North Otago.[3] It has been found in two mountain ranges in the Oteake Conservation Park. The holotype was collected in the Ida Range.[4]
This gecko is nocturnal, and is notable for the small bright spots on its back that resemble stars.[5]
See also
References
- ^ Listed by New Zealand
- ^ "Mokopirirakau galaxias". The Reptile Database. Retrieved 15 May 2025.
- ^ a b "Hura te ao gecko". www.reptiles.org.nz. New Zealand Herpetological Society. Retrieved 16 May 2025.
- ^ "Hura te ao gecko, Mokopirirakau galaxias Knox, Hitchmough, Nielsen, Jewell & Bell, 2021". Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. Retrieved 2 June 2023.
- ^ "Hura te ao gecko". Department of Conservation. Retrieved 2 June 2023.
External links
- Mokopirirakau galaxias discussed on RNZ Critter of the Week, 2 June 2023