Critter of the Week: Native Gecko Mites (Geckobia species)

Jesse chats to passionate conservationist Nicola Toki about a critter she thinks deserves a moment in the spotlight. This week it's native gecko mites (Geckobia species). While many mites are temporary visitors, Geckobia scale mites are lifelong, permanent residents. They spend every single stage of their life cycle-eggs, larvae, nymphs, and adults-clinging tightly directly onto the skin of a gecko. They are living proof of deep evolutionary history in Aotearoa, having branched alongside our ancient native geckos millions of years before human arrival.