Jeweled Gecko

Physical Characteristics

The Jeweled Gecko (Naultinus gemmeus) is a small, vividly colored arboreal lizard endemic to New Zealand’s South Island. It is one of the most visually distinctive species in the genus Naultinus, renowned for its jewel-like markings, vertical pupils, and prehensile tail.

Coloration:

• Base body color varies by region:

  • Bright green is most common, especially in eastern populations

  • Olive, gray-green, or brownish tones appear in southern and inland groups

• Patterns include bold white, yellow, or pale green stripes or spots, often ring-like or irregularly shaped—giving the “jeweled” appearance

• Ventral side is pale yellow or cream

Head:

• Slightly flattened and triangular with a blunt snout

• Eyes are large, lidless, and golden to silver, with distinct vertical slit pupils

• Facial expression appears alert and “smiling,” contributing to its charismatic look

Body and Skin:

• Slender, elongated body with smooth, fine-grained skin

• Tail is muscular and prehensile, often used to grasp branches for support

• Scales are small and uniform, giving a polished, smooth appearance

Limbs and Toes:

• Long limbs with well-developed toes ending in sharp claws rather than adhesive pads

• Excellent climber on shrubs and small trees; movement is careful and deliberate

• Toes are curved and grasping, suited to navigating thin branches and leaves

Tail:

• Long, tapered, and prehensile, used for balance and anchoring in foliage

• Tail accounts for nearly half of total length

• Tail can be dropped and regenerated, though regrowth is rarely as long or prehensile

Size:

• Total Length: 6 to 8 in (15 to 20 cm), including tail

• Snout-to-vent length (SVL): 3 to 4 in (7.5 to 10 cm)

Weight:

• 15 to 25 g (0.5 to 0.9 oz)

Sexual Dimorphism:

• Males often have larger femoral pores and may show more vibrant lateral markings

• Females are typically larger-bodied and more robust, especially during gestation

The Jeweled Gecko’s bright coloration, fine-scaled skin, and calm, deliberate movement make it one of New Zealand’s most ornamental and iconic reptiles, perfectly adapted to its leafy, temperate habitat.

Reproduction

The Jeweled Gecko is viviparous, meaning it gives birth to live young—a rare trait among geckos and characteristic of all Naultinus species. This reproductive strategy is well suited to the cool, temperate environments of New Zealand, where soil temperatures may not reliably support egg incubation.

1. Mating and Courtship:

• Breeding occurs in spring and early summer (September–December in the Southern Hemisphere)

• Males locate females by scent and may engage in gentle nudging, tail flicking, or licking during courtship

• Mating is brief but deliberate, often taking place on elevated shrubs or branches

2. Gestation and Embryo Development:

• Females carry developing embryos internally for an extended gestation period of 6 to 8 months

• Embryos receive nutrients and oxygen via a yolk sac—no placental connection is formed

• Females require consistent warmth and UV exposure to support fetal development

3. Live Birth (Parturition):

• Typically give birth to 1 or 2 fully formed juveniles in late summer to early autumn (February–April)

• Young are born active, alert, and fully independent, often climbing immediately after birth

• Females may exhibit brief maternal stillness, remaining near the birthing site for several hours

4. Neonates:

• Newborns measure about 2.5 to 3 in (6.5 to 7.5 cm) including tail

• They display coloration and patterning similar to adults but may appear slightly duller at first

• Begin feeding within a week and grow slowly over several years

5. Sexual Maturity:

• Reached at 2 to 4 years, depending on sex and environmental conditions

• Males typically mature earlier, while females may delay breeding until body condition is optimal

The Jeweled Gecko’s slow, high-investment reproductive cycle, low offspring number, and live-bearing adaptationreflect its evolution in a temperate, predator-limited island ecosystem—making conservation of mature breeding adults critical for species survival.

Lifespan

The Jeweled Gecko is a long-lived, slow-reproducing species, well adapted to the cool temperate climates of New Zealand. With its low reproductive rate and extended maturity timeline, longevity plays a key role in population sustainability.

Lifespan in the Wild:

• Typically 15 to 20 years, with some individuals possibly reaching 25 years or more under ideal conditions

• Longevity is supported by low metabolic rate, cool climate, and limited predator exposure in well-preserved habitats

• Threats such as introduced predators (e.g., rats, stoats, cats), habitat loss, and illegal collection can drastically reduce survival

Lifespan in Captivity:

• Often lives 20 to 25 years, and occasionally longer, under consistent husbandry conditions

• Requires cool ambient temperatures, access to UVB lighting, and a photoperiod that mimics seasonal light cycles

• Long life expectancy makes the species better suited for dedicated, long-term keepers or conservation programs

Maturity and Reproductive Span:

• Reaches sexual maturity slowly, between 2 and 4 years

• Females generally reproduce annually, though some may skip years depending on environmental cues and body condition

• Can remain reproductively active for 15 or more years once mature

Threats to Longevity:

• In the wild: Habitat destruction, invasive mammals, and poaching for the pet trade

• In captivity: Overheating, low humidity, vitamin D/calcium deficiency, and inadequate UV exposure

• Individuals removed from the wild rarely live long in improper captive settings

With proper care and protected environments, the Jeweled Gecko is one of the longest-lived gecko species, relying on stability and maturity rather than rapid reproduction to sustain its populations.

Eating Habits

The Jeweled Gecko is a diurnal folivore-insectivore, meaning it feeds primarily during the day and consumes a combination of soft vegetation, fruits, and invertebrates. Its foraging behavior is deliberate and adapted to cool, shrubby habitats in New Zealand’s temperate climate.

Diet in the Wild:

• Primarily feeds on:

  • Soft leaves, particularly from native shrubs like manuka, kanuka, and coprosma

  • Fleshy fruits such as berries when in season

  • Insects and spiders, including moths, flies, beetles, and caterpillars

• Obtains water from dew and rain droplets on leaves

Foraging Strategy:

• Active during the day (diurnal), especially in warm, sunny conditions

• Moves slowly and purposefully through shrubs, often remaining still for long periods between bites

• May take invertebrates opportunistically, especially during warmer months when insects are abundant

Feeding Behavior:

• Often returns to preferred feeding sites, including specific fruiting branches

• Uses its long tongue to lap moisture and manipulate small prey

• Displays selective feeding, favoring tender leaves and ripe fruits over tougher plant matter

Captive Diet:

• Best maintained with a mix of:

  • Fresh native foliage (when available)

  • Pesticide-free leaves and edible flowers like hibiscus and dandelion

  • Small live insects: soft-bodied feeders like crickets, flies, and waxworms

• Captive diets may include fruit purées or commercial reptile nectars, but natural foliage is strongly preferred

Hydration and Feeding Conditions:

• Drinks primarily from leaf surfaces after misting

• Requires moderate to high humidity and access to natural or artificial UVB to stimulate appetite and vitamin D synthesis

• Appetite may decrease during colder or darker months

The Jeweled Gecko’s plant-focused, seasonal diet and daytime foraging set it apart from most geckos, reflecting its adaptation to New Zealand’s unique, low-predator ecosystem.

Uniqueness

The Jeweled Gecko is one of the most visually striking and biologically distinctive geckos in the world. Endemic to New Zealand’s South Island, it represents a unique evolutionary path, shaped by isolation, cool climate, and a lack of native land predators.

Bright Jewel-Like Patterns:
True to its name, the Jeweled Gecko features vivid green skin adorned with bold white, yellow, or pale green spots, rings, or stripes. These patterns vary by population, giving each region its own “morph” of dazzling natural beauty.

Day-Active and Leaf-Eating:
Unlike most geckos, the Jeweled Gecko is diurnal (active during the day) and has a diet that includes leaves, fruits, and insects. This makes it one of the few geckos adapted to a partly folivorous, sunlit lifestyle.

Live-Bearing in a Cool Climate:
This species is viviparous, giving birth to live young—a rare trait among reptiles and a hallmark of the genus Naultinus. This adaptation allows survival in temperate environments where soil incubation would be unreliable.

Slow Life Strategy:
With a lifespan of up to 25 years, late sexual maturity, and only one or two offspring per year, the Jeweled Gecko exemplifies a slow-paced, high-survival reproductive model rarely seen in lizards.

Endemic and Culturally Iconic:
Restricted to a few regions of New Zealand, the Jeweled Gecko is highly protected and considered a national treasure. Its image appears in local conservation campaigns, and it is admired for both ecological and aesthetic value.

High Conservation Concern:
Despite legal protection, the species is threatened by habitat loss, invasive predators, and illegal collection. Its beauty and rarity have unfortunately made it a target for the black market reptile trade.

The Jeweled Gecko’s jewel-like appearance, live birth, daytime activity, and evolution in isolation make it one of the world’s most unique and endangered geckos, embodying the fragile biodiversity of New Zealand’s ecosystems.