Studies on the taxonomy of the Gekko vittatus Houttuyn, 1782 complex (Squamata: Gekkonidae) I. On the variability of G. vittatus Houttuyn, 1782 sensu lato, with the description of a new species from Palau Islands, Micronesia

摘要

The present study focuses on morphological variation among conspicuous geographic colour morphs of Gekko vittatus (sensu lato). Meristic data revealed four distinct, allopatric groups of phenotypes, whereas the morphometric char- acters examined do not differ among colour morphs. One of these, endemic to the Palau Islands in the Pacific, is also ge- netically distinct and is here described as a new species.