R. Leachianus – In depth analysis (links)
Physical Description:
New Caledonian geckos are a yellowish green or brown color with white or cream blotches along their bodies. They are a sexually dimorphic species; males tend to have a broader head and more slender body than females. When threatened, these geckos can detach, and later regenerate, their tails.
Size:
New Caledonian geckos typically measure up to 40 centimeters and weigh between 227 and 500 grams, making them the largest known gecko species.
Native Habitat:
New Caledonian geckos are found exclusively on the islands of New Caledonia in the South Pacific. They inhabit the high canopies of rainforests throughout the southern and eastern portions of the main island, as well as several of the smaller surrounding islands.
Food/Eating Habits
These geckos feed on invertebrates and fruit. They occasionally eat smaller lizards, newborn mice and nectar. At the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, they eat crickets, mealworms, minced fruit and nectar.
Reproduction and Development:
Females lay two soft-shelled eggs per clutch and, depending on their calcium reserves, can produce three to four clutches per season. The eggs incubate for 60 to 90 days before hatchlings emerge. The young hatchlings are typically 8.9 to 10.2 centimeters long, and their sex may be determined by the temperature during incubation. Eggs incubated at a higher temperature result in a shorter incubation period and have a greater chance of producing male hatchlings.
Lifespan
In human care, New Calendonian geckos can live up to 20 yearsup to 20 years.
All you need to know about leachs:
