G. mutilata: Guam
G. mutilata: Pagan
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Gehyra mutilata
Mutilating Gecko Status: Indigenous Description: The mutilating gecko is a medium sized smooth skinned gecko. Adults range between 39 and 51 mm SVL. The pattern consists of small distinct dark spots on a lighter ground color. Less conspicuous, but more consistent there is a row of small widely spaced light colored spots on either side of the spine. There is also a series of light marks extending back from the eye on the temporal region. The belly can range from white to lemon yellow. Adults develop very broad flattened tails. Like all geckos found in the Mariana Islands the amount of patterning and coloration can change dramatically. Animals found during the day or on dark substrates are generally dark colored and heavily patterned while those found at night can be very pale, almost translucent and nearly patternless. As the common name implies the mutilating gecko has delicate skin that is easily torn or peeled off from even gentle handling. This species superficially resembles the house gecko. It lacks the tubercles on the skin and the whorls of tubercles on the tail though. Biology: Gehyra mutilata is generally a forest dwelling species and is often the most common gecko in Limestone forests where it is found on rock faces and tree trunks. In disturbed habitats, and secondary forest it is greatly outnumbered by both the house gecko and the mourning gecko and it is rarely seen on the sides of buildings near lights like the other two. On Pagan Island it is also very common on barren lava flows. The mutilating gecko tends to be light shy and will quickly flee as soon as a flashlight is turned on it. Eggs are almost always laid in pairs and the adhesive shell sticks them together and to the surface on which they were deposited. Distribution: Gehyra mutilata is widespread throughout Oceania and South East Asia. Populations have become established in Hawaii, California, and Mexico. It is found on most islands in the Marianas, including several of the small fringing islets. |