Woodworthia chrysosiretica (Robb, 1980)

Common & Scientific Nomenclature

The gold-striped gecko, also known as the gold-stripe gecko or golden sticky-toed gecko, is a species of gecko in the family Diplodactylidae with the scientific name Woodworthia chrysosiretica. It is endemic to New Zealand, and is only found in the Taranaki region and Mana Island.

Holotype Location

The species' holotype is held in the collection of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.

Size & Coloration

Gold-striped geckos can grow up to 14 cm (5.51 inches) long, and are brown or yellow with stripes running along their backs.

Activity Pattern & Diet

They are mostly nocturnal and feed on small insects and invertebrates.

Habitat Range

They inhabit forests and bushes, but can also live in farmland and urban environments.

Reproduction Method

This species does not lay eggs, and instead gives birth to live young.

Initial Taxonomic Description

It was first described by J. Robb in 1980 under the name Hoplodactylus chrysosireticus.

Postal Appearance

From July 1984 to July 1985, the gold-striped gecko appeared on a New Zealand 70 cent stamp as part of the Endangered Animal Wildlife series.

Conservation Status

The IUCN Red List lists this species as Near Threatened, and the Taranaki Regional Council currently lists it as At Risk.