<< Has it ever been determined exactly which is which here in the USA? I
have
heard some rumblings that the G. vorax are G. baliola>>
Actually I think that there is a lot to sort out (although most of the
information is published, it needs to be summarized) regarding Gehyra
vorax. The animals coming in from Halmahera are historically referred to
as the "Moluccan Giant Gecko", Gehyra marginata. I had heard some rumors
in the US that the specimens imported were quite possibly G.
membranacruralis, but in fact this species is known to occupy the region
around Port Moresby in New Guinea. Beckon (Copeia, 1992) described his
observations regarding G. marginata as not being able to distinguish
between Irian Jayan and Moluccan specimens, because of the lack of adequate
numbers of specimens, no appreciable scalation differences, and thereby
unable to ascertain the degree of variation/overlap between marginata and
(New Guinea) vorax. He went on to say that the Moluccan marginata may r
epresent a fourth morphotype, but was unable to evaluate its status with
confidence. The vorax/marginata cannot be confused (or should not be
confused) with the smaller oceanica/baliola species. So as it seems, G.
marginata should stand for these Halmahera specimens.
<< where G. oceanica fits in Im not sure.>>
Gehyra oceanica more closely resembles G. baliola. The primary differences
being that true oceanica possess distinct webbing between the 3rd and 4th
toes, whereas feebly developed in baliola. Furthermore, baliola possess a
unique and distinct skin fold on the posterior portion of the hind limbs.
I have also noticed with many of the baliola that have recently came to
the US that they further possess a rich orangish-yellow coloration on the
ventral.
I think that G. oceanica, if present in the US, is quite rare. The
majority of specimens in the US are more likely G. baliola.
Jon
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