This species was first collected in 1969 (Whitaker 1969, Thomas 1981).
Hoplodactylus sp. 'Stewart Island'.
A distinctive species, unlikely to cause confusion. The combination of dark dark grey or blue roof of mouth, and bright lemon-yellow eyes are unique to the species.
Apical plates enlarged on all digits. Lamellae straight; mouth colour pink, grey or blue; scales on top of snout distinctively smaller than ear opening, and often conical in shape (Jewell 2006).
The word rakiurae is an incorrectly applied latinization of the Maori name for Stewart Island, Rakiura. The common name refers to the colouration. From 1969-1980 known by the tag name, from 1981 onwards by the scientific name.
A small gecko, size between 53-71mm SVL, total length up to 120mm (Thomas 1981, Jewell 2008). Tail equal or shorter than SVL. Brown, olive or bright green with a distinctive and complex herringboned pattern that includes a network of fine grey or white lines. Often with orange-brown or orange-red shadings. A broad and green V-shaped mark between eyes. Undersurface pale grey-brown with brown or green speckles or mottling. Roof of mouth dark grey or blue, mouth lining pinkish or greyish, and tongue dark grey to indigo. Eye bright yellow. Toes plain brown and narrow, without distinctly enlarged pads. Enlarged apical plates (beneath the toe next to the claw) on all toes (Jewell 2008).