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Type: Article
Published: 2021-01-22
Page range: 389–400
Abstract views: 345
PDF downloaded: 21

A new species of Naultinus from the Te Paki area, northern New Zealand

1Department of Conservation, National Office, PO Box 10-420, Wellington 6143, New Zealand.
Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32601, USA Department of Biological Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI 53233, USA
Tea Tree Gully, Adelaide.
Department of Biology and Center for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Stewardship, Villanova University, 800 Lancaster Avenue, Villanova, PA 19085, USA.
Reptilia New Zealand gecko Diplodactylidae taxonomy new species Naultinus flavirictus sp. nov.

Abstract

We describe a new species of the New Zealand diplodactylid gecko genus Naultinus. Molecular phylogenetics and distinctive morphological features support taxonomic separation of the populations on the northern half of Aupori Peninsula in the far north of the North Island as a new species, Naultinus flavirictus sp. nov. The specific epithet refers to the diagnostic yellow colour at the corners of the mouth. We discuss the conservation status of and threats to this novel taxon and to Te Paki, Northland—the unique area of New Zealand where it is found. We further discuss the distribution and possible function of bright mouth colour within Naultinus.

 

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