Notes on the Structure and Life History of Hoplodactylus maculatus (Gray)

Abstract

Specimens identified as Hoplodactylus maculatus (Gray) were collected, at intervals of about a month, from the end of September to June. They are most plentiful round the sea-coast, just above the shore line, under stones among clumps of Muhlenbeckia complexa or Hymenanthra crassifolia. They are never found unless the leafy vegetation under the stone has completely rotted away, leaving the stems, and then only under stones resting on others; never under stones resting on earth or grass. A striking difference in size is apparent among lizards collected from different areas. These from Island Bay, Wellington, which has a cold southerly aspect, were considerably smaller than many of those from Pukerua Bay, twentyfive miles distant, with a westerly aspect. The former when full-grown average approximately 10 cms., in length, while males from the latter district often reach 13 cms., or 14 cms., and the females a little less. Lizards exhibiting the various types of marking mentioned under the classification were found in the same district, although those from Island Bay tended to be of the nondescript brown type.