Mokopirirakau galaxias is a species of gecko in the family Diplodactylidae found in New Zealand.[2] This gecko is endemic to New Zealand, and its Māori name is Hura te ao. It was first identified in 2018, and was found in rock outcrops in North Otago. The holotype was collected in the Ida Range in Oteake Conservation Park.[3] This gecko is nocturnal, and is notable for the small bright spots on its back that resemble stars.[4]
| Mokopirirakau galaxias | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Family: | Diplodactylidae |
| Genus: | Mokopirirakau |
| Species: | M. galaxias
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| Binomial name | |
| Mokopirirakau galaxias Knox, Hitchmough, Nielsen, Jewell, & Bell, 2021
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See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Listed by New Zealand
- ^ "Mokopirirakau galaxias". The Reptile Database. The Reptile Database. Retrieved 19 July 2015.
- ^ "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 (New Zealand). Retrieved 2 June 2023.
External links
edit- Mokopirirakau galaxias discussed on RNZ Critter of the Week, 2 June 2023