Story: Lizards

Bynoe’s gecko

Bynoe’s gecko

Like most lizards worldwide, the Australian Bynoe’s gecko (Heteronota bynoei) lays eggs – known as ovipary. By contrast, only one species of New Zealand lizard – the egg-laying skink (Oligosoma suteri) – lays eggs. All others give birth to live young – know as vivipary. Live birth is thought to be an adaptation to New Zealand’s cooling climate during the ice ages – most other viviparous lizards also occur in cooler regions of the world.

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National Archives of Australia
Reference: A1500, K23859

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How to cite this page:

Kerry-Jayne Wilson, 'Lizards - Origins and diversity', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/13522/bynoes-gecko (accessed 27 April 2024)

Story by Kerry-Jayne Wilson, published 24 Sep 2007, updated 1 Mar 2014