How much are mediterranean geckos

Photographer:Koppi2 Source: www. The Mediterranean gecko is a relatively small, 4 - 5 in 10 - 13 cm , species that has become ubiquitous in certain areas of the United States.

Unlike any native lizard, geckos have sticky toe pads, vertical pupils, and their large eyes lack eyelids. These geckos are generally light gray or almost white in color, but may have some darker mottling. This species is most easily distinguished from the similar Indo-pacific gecko by its bumpy warty skin. The Mediterranean gecko can usually be found praying on insects near external houselights or other forms of lighting on warm nights.

Due to their ability to breed rapidly and strong resistance to pesticides, the Mediterranean gecko has been able to establish steady populations all along the Southern United States.

These populations are often disjunct, however, which gives hope for native species. Throughout Texas, for example, there are strong breeding populations of Mediterranean geckos found around cities, especially the Houston area, but there are major gaps in the population range through the western parts of Texas and into the panhandle.

Indeed, the geckos appear to be found most commonly within developed areas, but have occasionally have been found in remote areas too further sampling is needed. While it is unknown what detrimental effects the Mediterranean gecko causes towards indigenous species, at the very least the consumption of resources and occupation of niches is enough to warrant concern.

Like most other invasive species, the Mediterranean gecko breeds rapidly. Females are capable of laying multiple clutches of two eggs each throughout the summer. These eggs are laid in cracks and crevices in trees or man-made structures including buildings. Males are very territorial and defend their foraging areas. These geckos mate from March to July. The females lay two to three clutches per year, and each clutch will have one to two eggs.

The females lay hard-shelled eggs under stones, spaces in tree trunks, or in moist soil. The eggs incubate for about 50 days. Many people in different parts of the world have high regard for geckos. They may be difficult to catch, but can be moved safely outside as they are not venomous.

Thanks to Dr. Travis Laduc, Curator of the Herpetology Collection , for his edits. Brown, Linda. Hibbitts, T. Texas Lizards: A Field Guide. University of Texas Press, Austin, Texas. Mediterranean Gecko Hemidactylus turcicus — Introduced. Mediterranean House Gecko.

Texas Invasive Species Institute. Indo-pacific geckos are generally light gray or almost white in color but may have some darker mottling. This species is most easily distinguished from the similar indo-pacific gecko by its bumpy or warty skin. Range and Habitat: As its name implies, the Mediterranean gecko is an old-world species that is common in Southern Europe and Northern Africa.

It has been introduced in many tropical areas worldwide, including urban areas, in the Southeastern United States. This species has been widely introduced in Florida but its distribution is patchier than that of the Indo-Pacific gecko.

In almost all areas, this species is associated with human development, and it is seldom found far from buildings with outdoor lights. Habits: Introduced geckos are almost completely nocturnal.