Rhacodactylus leachianus

R. Leachianus often show locality-specific phenotypical coloration, size, and morphological differences called morphotypes. The largest locality group of R. leachianus are those found on the main island of New Caledonia, Grande Terre. The localities associated with Grande Terre, often referred to as the "mainland localities", include the Yate locale, the Mount Khogis locale, the Goro locale, the Poindimie locale, and the Mount Humboldt locale. Early on, a typing system was created in attempt to group phenotypical traits seen on Grande Terre together. This typing system included Type A, Type B, and Type C R. leachianus. However, this typing system is no longer considered an accurate means of locale identification, but is still commonly used for generalization within the pet trade. Type A R. leachianus were those that had little to no patterning on the laterals, containing a dark, solid or webbed background coloration. Type B R. leachianus were those that displayed lateral patterning in the form of linear blotches, or solid-colored vertical bars, commonly paired with a dark base coloration. Type B R. leachianus were said to be the most patterned of the various types. Type C R. leachianus were those that are slow growing, large geckos, commonly paired with light blotching and a dark base color. Type C R. leachianus are reported to grow up to 17 inches in length.[5][8]

R. leachianus are also found on the neighboring islands of Grant Terre, commonly referred to as the "insular localities". These Insular localities include the Isle of Pines locale, the Nuu Ami locale, the Nuu Ana locale, the Duu Ana locale, the Moro locale, the Bayonnaise locale, the Brosse locale, and the Caanawa locale.[5][8]

R. leachianus displaying the "dark netting" pattern.

R. leachianus found in the Yate region are recognized as one of the largest localities, being heavy bodied, bulky animals. They often have elongated tails in comparison to most other locales. Yate R. leachianus can reach above 400 grams, and grow up to 15 inches in length. they are found to have a base coloration that can range from a dark brown to golden yellow. Dark netting or thin webbing is also commonly found accompanying the base coloration. Thin, white lines may also be present on the laterals.[8]

R. leachianus found in the Mount Khogis region are also among the largest of the locales, commonly reaching over 300 grams. Mount Khogis R. leachianus display base colorations that range from jet black to olive green. These individuals may possess enlarged scales that run the length of the snout ridges, which can be used as a differentiating factor for this locale. White blotches may also be present on the laterals, varying widely in size.[8]

R. leachianus found in the Goro locality are a large locale, reaching up to 17 inches in length and 500 grams. Goro R. leachianus are dark in coloration, with accompanying white blotches that run vertically in rows along the lateral sides. White specking may also be present along the entire body of the individual.[8]

R. leachianus found in the Poindimie region are often longer and leaner than other mainland localities. Poindimie R. leachianus are one of the largest localities, reaching over 400 grams. Base coloration is often variable, including greens, blacks, yellows, and browns. Little to no patterning is seen in the Poindimie locale, however, yellow or white spotting may occur with age.[8]

R. leachianus displaying the "white blotching" on the laterals, with additional "black peppering".

R. leachianus found in the Mount Humboldt region are large bodied, bulky individuals. Base coloration is often described as variable, ranging from blacks to browns and greens. White blotches may be present, commonly covering the laterals and occasionally on the dorsal. Mount Humboldt R. Leachianus may reach up to 420 grams in weight.[8]

R. leachianus found on the island Brosse are often referred to as one of the larger insular forms with a robust shape. The coloration is often yellow or green, with large pink or white blotching, accompanied by black flecking. this locality may be referred to as the "stripped neck" locale, due to bars that begin just after the head and continue down the neck area. Brosse Locality R. leachianus can weigh roughly 250g, and measure up to 10 inches in length. The island of Brosse is also referred to as "Isle D".[8]

R. leachianus found on the island Bayonnaise are characterized by a yellow-green base color, often displaying banding that covers the laterals and dorsal. This banding can range from thinner blotched white band to larger pink, purple, or white bands. The Island of Bayonnaise is also known as "Isle C".[8]

R. leachianus found on the island of Nuu Ana is the smallest recorded locality of R. leachianus. Nuu Ana individuals often have shorter limbs with an overall robust appearance. The Nuu Ana locale may reach up to 9 inches in length, and remain under 200 grams. The base color can range from various shades of greenish yellow, often with large colorful blotching or barring along the entire body of the gecko. The island of Nuu Ana is also known as "Isle G".[8]

R. leachianus displaying the "W" shaped pattern on the dorsal.

R. leachianus found on the island of Nuu Ami are a small locale, reaching up to 200 grams. Nuu Ami R. leachianus often display a darker gray iris in comparison to other localities. Base coloration may range from deep greens to bright yellows, commonly accompanied by white or pink blotching. Nuu Ami locality R. leachianus may also have spots or blotching arranged in a "W" shape along the dorsal area. The island of Nuu Ami is also known as "Isle H".[8]

R. leachianus found on the island of Duu Ana are characterized by their dark green-brown base coloration, along with light colored barring that lines the laterals of the gecko. Barring may also be present along the dorsal. Duu Ana R. leachianus often display morphological traits, such as larger legs in comparison to other insular localities. It is speculated that this locality may eat crabs, due to low availability of fruit matter on the island. The Duu Ana locale is thought to be extinct in the wild, though, evidence is needed. Smaller breeding populations remain in captivity. The island of Duu Ana is also known as "Isle I".[8]

R. leachianus found on the island of Caanawa are a larger insular locality. The base coloration is often variable, ranging from browns to light green. The patterning on Caanawa R. leachianus often display deep purple blotching or barring, with a significant amount of black peppering. The island of Caanawa is also known as "Isle K".[8]

R. leachianus found on the Isle of Pines are the largest of the Insular localities, reaching up to 12 inches in length and surpassing 300 grams. The Isle of Pines locality is often characterized by large head and neck regions, with a robust appearance. Base coloration is often deep green, but also can range from brown to yellow. This is accompanied by white blotches present on the laterals and dorsal area of the gecko. The Isle of Pines can also be referred to as "Pine Island".[8]

R. leachianus found on the Island of Moro is one of the largest insular localities, reaching up to 12 to 13 inches in length. The Moro locality often displays a green base color, with large pink or white blotching. The head shape for the Moro locality is large with a snout that is squared off. The island of Moro is also known as "Isle E".[8]

R. leachianus pair monogamously. A compatible pair of R. leachianus may pair-bond for a single breeding season, or remain paired for several years. Breeding behavior involves biting and thrashing that can become violent, often accompanied with locking jaws. this is thought to be a mechanism to test for pair compatibility and physical capability of a mate. A bonded pair will commonly reside in an unoccupied tree hollow, which the pair will defend by displaying territorial behavior, such as vocalization. Tree hollow related behavior is similar to that of hollow nesting birds. Mate identification thought to be done through a process called scent marking.[5] Adult females of R. leachianus lay up to two eggs at a time, having up to 10 clutches per year.[5][10] Older females in captivity may not lay clutches in a breeding season, even when paired with a compatible male, However, older females can lay clutches over the course of their entire adult lifespan. Pair incompatibility in a previously compatible pair may occur, often indicated by aggressive territorial behavior and injury. Parthenogenesis is also observed in unpaired females in captivity.[5]

R. leachianus have the widest range of vocalizations of any member of the gekkonidae family.[5] R. leachianus can make a loud growling noise, and local people call it "the devil in the trees".[10] This growling vocalization is speculated to be a warning call is often made in the presence of a predator or a rivaling R. leachianus. Clucking is another common vocalization, commonly associated with mate calling, often heard at night. A light whistle sound is used to display discomfort, or mild stress. Bird-like chirping is seen in the larger mainland localities, which incorporates a heightened stance and a gaping mouth for a threat display, often followed by a lunging motion.[5]

Like many chameleons, New Caledonian Geckos can change the color of their skin. This is due to pigment containing cells called chromatophores. This is a form of camouflage and can help the gecko blend into their environments. Factors such as humidity, stress level, and amount of sunlight are among the causes that alter skin coloration.[9]