New caledonia giant gecko

Description

Rhacodactylus leachianus, commonly known as the New Caledonian giant gecko or Leach's giant gecko or colloquially Leachie, is a large species of gecko in the family Diplodactylidae. The species, which was first described by Georges Cuvier in 1829, is endemic to New Caledonia. At 14 inches (360 mm) total length (including tail), R. leachianus is the largest extant gecko in the world and is considered an example of island gigantism. It has a heavy body, loose skin, and a small, stumpy tail. It is variable in color, coming in shades of mottled green, gray, and brown. R. leachianus is found in all of the southern and eastern portions of the main island of New Caledonia, as well as on several of the smaller islands in the group. The specific name, leachianus, is in honor of English zoologist William Elford Leach.Historically, there have been three recognized subspecies of R. leachianus (including the nominotypical subspecies): R. l. aubrianus, R. l. henkeli (first described by Seipp and Obst in 1994), and R. l. leachianus. However, based on recent molecular data, no populations of R. leachianus are granted subspecies status at the present time. R. leachianus is an arboreal species, living in trees. It is nocturnally active, but may bask in the morning sun. It eats a diet of insects, spiders, small vertebrates, fruit, nectar, and sap.Adult females of R. leachianus lay two eggs at a time, having up to 10 clutches per year.R. leachianus can make a loud growling noise, and local people call it "the devil in the trees". Like many chameleons, New Caledonian Geckos can change the color of their skin. This is due to pigment containing cells called chromatophores. Depending on the amount of sunlight, their skin may be lighter or darker. This is a form of mimicry and can help the gecko blend into their environments. These giant geckos also can climb vertically up glass surfaces. This is due to adhesive pads on their feet called lamellas, which are made up of tiny hairs which increase friction force when applied to surfaces Some of the indigenous Kanak people of New Caledonia fear Leach's giant gecko. This is because of an old superstition which purports that it has the ability to cling to a person's body and pull out that person's soul.