Hoplodactylus delcourti n. sp. (Reptilia: Gekkonidae), the largest known gecko

Abstract

Hoplodactylus delcourti n. sp., is described from a partial specimen of unknown locality. It is distinguished by its huge size (370 mm snout-vent length), large median patch of preanal pores, and dorsal pattern of longitudinal stripes. It is the largest known species of gecko and represents a 54% increase in the maximum recorded snout-vent length for the family. A New Zealand origin for the specimen is supported both by features of its morphology and by congruence with some early reports of a giant lizard of Maori legend. It is not known if the species is extant.