Kenneth L. Krysko photo.
Mediterranean Gecko, Hemidactylus turcicus
As indicated by its name, this gecko is native to the Mediterranean area. It was introduced into Florida, Louisiana, Texas and many parts of the West Indies and the American tropics. It is a creamy white to gray and has a crossbanded tail with rows of large tubercles. It has no eyelids; its eyes are covered with a transparent scale. Throughout Florida it is most frequently found on buildings. It avoids cold winter temperatures by hiding in warm cracks and crevices. It is active at night foraging for insects. Males defend their territories by chirping and chasing other males. During the summer, females are easily identified by the white eggs that show through the skin of the abdomen. Eggs are laid in logs and leaf-litter.
