A new gecko (Reptilia: Squamata: Genus lepidodactylus) from Tuvalu, South-central Pacific

Abstract

Two families of lizards are widespread and common colonizers of the islands of Occania. The skinks (Scincidae) are diurnal and predominantly terrestrial lizards; the geckos are nocturnal and mainly arboreal ones. The origins and dates of these lizards’ colonization of Oceania remain debatable, although recent man-assisted colonization seems unquestionably the mode of dispersal for a few species. E.g. moth skink (Lipinia noctua; Austin 1999) and house gecko (Hemidactylus frenatus; Case et al. 1994).