| Wellington green gecko | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Lacertilia |
| Family: | Gekkonidae |
| Genus: | Naultinus |
| Species: | N. elegans |
| Subspecies: | N. elegans punctatus |
| Trinomial name | |
| Naultinus elegans punctatus |
|
The Wellington green gecko, Naultinus elegans punctatus, is a subspecies of gecko found only in the southern half of the North Island of New Zealand. The other subspecies, the Auckland green gecko, is found in the northern half of the North Island (except north of Whangaroa) and the two ranges do not overlap.
The Wellington green gecko is much larger and more heavily built than the Auckland green gecko and can be distinguished by the yellow soles on its feet instead of grey-green. It lives arboreally in scrub and forest areas, especially kanuka and manuka. Although it hunts nocturnally, for moths and flies, it also likes to sun-bask. It displays an aggressive behaviour, baring its open blue mouth and barking if provoked.