Bavayia


Bavayia is a genus of lizards in the family Diplodactylidae. Species in the genus Bavayia are also known commonly as New Caledonian geckos or bavayias. The genus is native to the remote New Caledonia and Loyalty Islands. The 41 species are moderately small to medium-sized geckos, and are distinguished from other genera by their tail length and the shape of their digits.

Etymology

The generic name, Bavayia, is in honor of Arthur [René Jean Baptiste Bavay|Arthur Bavay], a French pharmacist and herpetologist.

Description

All species of Bavayia have elongated digits, with each claw on the edge of each seta. They are fairly drab in coloration.

Behavior

Bavayia species are nocturnal, and spend the daylight hours hiding under bark or rocks, or in tree holes.

Species

These 41 described species are recognized as being valid:
Nota bene: A binomial authority in parentheses indicates that the species was originally described in a genus other than Bavayia.

Taxonomy

The species formerly known as Bavayia madjo is now known as Paniegekko madjo.
The species formerly known as Bavayia validiclavis is now known as Dierogekko validiclavis.