# Mniarogekko chahoua

The Mniarogekko chahoua, also known as the Chahoua Gecko, is a unique lizard that loves to climb trees. It has a special ability to change color and can blend in with its surroundings!

- **Category:** [Reptiles](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/reptile)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low
- **Habitat:** Forests
- **Also known as:** Chahoua Gecko

![Mniarogekko chahoua](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Rhacodactylus_chahoua.jpg&width=800)

Photo: Alfeus Liman ( Firereptiles at en.wikipedia ), Attribution · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rhacodactylus_chahoua.jpg)

## Appearance

The Mniarogekko chahoua has a stocky body covered in distinctive bumpy or mossy scales, which provides excellent camouflage. Its coloration ranges from greens and browns to reddish hues, often with white or cream markings, making it blend seamlessly with bark and lichen.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Chordata
- **Class:** Squamata
- **Order:** Lacertilia
- **Family:** Diplodactylidae
- **Genus:** Mniarogekko

## Interesting facts

- Chahoua geckos are sometimes called "mossy geckos" because of their bumpy skin!
- These geckos can be found sleeping upside down, clinging to branches with ease!
- They communicate using soft chirps and squeaks, especially when looking for a mate.
- Unlike many lizards, Chahoua geckos don't have eyelids; they lick their eyes clean!

## Special abilities

- **Climbing Claws:** Mniarogekko chahoua has specialized toe pads with millions of tiny hairs that help them stick to almost any surface for expert climbing.
- **Tail Trickery:** Mniarogekko chahoua can detach its tail when startled, which helps them escape from predators by creating a diversion.
- **Night Vision:** Mniarogekko chahoua has large, vertically-slit pupils that help them see very well in low light, making them excellent night hunters.

## Measurements & details

- **Length:** 25-30 cm
- **Weight:** 0.04-0.07 kg
- **Lifespan:** 15-20 years
- **Speed:** 0.5 km/h
- **Clutch Size:** 2
- **Incubation:** 60-90 days

## Diet & Feeding

Chahoua geckos are omnivores, munching on insects, small critters, and yummy fruits!

- **Primary Foods:** Crickets, Roaches, Small invertebrates, Fruit pulp, Nectar, Pollen
- **Foraging Method:** Ambush

## Ecological connections

- **Eats:** New Caledonian Persimmon (*Diospyros pancheri*) — Feeds on its ripe fruits and nectar.
- **Hunts:** Two-spotted Cricket (*Gryllus bimaculatus*) — Actively hunts and preys on these common insects.
- **Eaten by:** Brown Goshawk (*Accipiter fasciatus*) — Can fall prey to this native bird of prey.

## Traits

- [Climbing/Vine](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/climbing-vine): Climbing or vine plants are characterized by a growth habit that allows them to ascend upwards by twining, tendrils, or adhesive roots.
- [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
- [Arboreal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/arboreal): Arboreal animals live primarily in trees, utilizing them for shelter, food, and protection from predators.
- [Camouflaged](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/camouflaged): Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
- [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
- [Insectivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/insectivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.
- [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
- [Longevous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/longevous): This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind.
- [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.

## Collections

- [Reptiles](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/reptiles)

## Safety

**Danger:** 1/5 · Very low

Always watch geckos from a distance and don't try to touch them, as they can be shy.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Mniarogekko chahoua?

Compare toes, scales, head shape, crests and tail proportions. Many lizards can drop and regrow their tails, so a short tail isn't always a species trait. Lizard Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### How long is Mniarogekko chahoua?

25-30 cm

### How much does Mniarogekko chahoua weigh?

0.04-0.07 kg

### How long does Mniarogekko chahoua live?

15-20 years

### How fast can Mniarogekko chahoua move?

0.5 km/h

### What does Mniarogekko chahoua eat?

Chahoua geckos are omnivores, munching on insects, small critters, and yummy fruits!

### Where is Mniarogekko chahoua usually found?

Forests

### How does Mniarogekko chahoua hunt?

Ambush

## More Reptiles

- [Pond Slider](https://www.snappit.app/explore/pond-slider) (*Trachemys scripta*)
- [Western Fence Lizard](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-fence-lizard) (*Sceloporus occidentalis*)
- [Common Five-lined Skink](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-five-lined-skink) (*Plestiodon fasciatus*)
- [Desert Spiny Lizard](https://www.snappit.app/explore/desert-spiny-lizard) (*Sceloporus magister*)

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Source: [Mniarogekko chahoua: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/mniarogekko-chahoua)