Rhacodactylus auriculatus, commonly known as the gargoyle gecko, is a species of reptile endemic to New Caledonia in the South Pacific. It is recognized by its robust appearance and prominent "bumps" or ridges on its head, particularly over its ears, which give it the appearance of a gargoyle, hence its common name. This gecko is of moderate size, reaching between 20 and 25 centimeters in total length, including its tail.
The Rhacodactylus auriculatus has variable coloration that allows it to effectively camouflage itself in its environment. Its skin can be shades of brown, gray, green, or reddish, often with mottled or striped patterns in darker shades. These patterns help it blend in with tree bark and rocks, allowing it to evade predators and stalk its prey. One of the distinctive features of this species is its prehensile tail, which gives it greater dexterity in moving between branches and clinging to vertical surfaces.
This gecko is mainly nocturnal and spends much of the day hiding in rock crevices or in dense vegetation. At night, it becomes active and hunts small insects, invertebrates and occasionally ripe fruit, as it is an omnivorous species. Its behavior is generally calm, although it can be territorial, especially in males defending their area from other competitors.
The Rhacodactylus auriculatus is oviparous, and females usually lay two to three eggs per clutch, which they bury in the ground or among vegetation. The eggs take about two to three months to hatch, depending on environmental conditions, and the offspring are born with an appearance similar to that of the adults, but with brighter and more striking colors.
As for its habitat, this gecko lives in wooded and rocky areas of New Caledonia, where humidity is high and vegetation is dense. Although it is not in danger of extinction, its populations can be affected by habitat destruction and capture for the exotic pet trade, as it is a very popular species in this area due to its unusual appearance and ease of care in captivity.
The Rhacodactylus auriculatus has gained notoriety in the world of herpetology not only for its striking appearance, but also for its longevity and endurance, being one of the most studied and appreciated species of geckos in the world of reptiles.
Approximate measurements of the Gecko:
The Rhacodactylus auriculatus has variable coloration that allows it to effectively camouflage itself in its environment. Its skin can be shades of brown, gray, green, or reddish, often with mottled or striped patterns in darker shades. These patterns help it blend in with tree bark and rocks, allowing it to evade predators and stalk its prey. One of the distinctive features of this species is its prehensile tail, which gives it greater dexterity in moving between branches and clinging to vertical surfaces.
This gecko is mainly nocturnal and spends much of the day hiding in rock crevices or in dense vegetation. At night, it becomes active and hunts small insects, invertebrates and occasionally ripe fruit, as it is an omnivorous species. Its behavior is generally calm, although it can be territorial, especially in males defending their area from other competitors.
The Rhacodactylus auriculatus is oviparous, and females usually lay two to three eggs per clutch, which they bury in the ground or among vegetation. The eggs take about two to three months to hatch, depending on environmental conditions, and the offspring are born with an appearance similar to that of the adults, but with brighter and more striking colors.
As for its habitat, this gecko lives in wooded and rocky areas of New Caledonia, where humidity is high and vegetation is dense. Although it is not in danger of extinction, its populations can be affected by habitat destruction and capture for the exotic pet trade, as it is a very popular species in this area due to its unusual appearance and ease of care in captivity.
The Rhacodactylus auriculatus has gained notoriety in the world of herpetology not only for its striking appearance, but also for its longevity and endurance, being one of the most studied and appreciated species of geckos in the world of reptiles.
Approximate measurements of the Gecko:
- Scale 1:1 Complete
- Length 115 mm
- Height 25 mm
- Width 91 mm
- Snout-tail length 202 mm
