Mediterranean Gecko

The Mediterranean Gecko (Hemidactylus turcicus) is an introduced lizard that has become established in the southern states and in Virginia isolated populations have been identified in the Cities of Lynchburg & Richmond and also in the Counties of Bedford & Montgomery. Mediterranean geckos only inhabit urban habitats (i.e. buildings) where there is a stable year-round environment. They have not demonstrated any invasive characteristics, such as displacing a native species or colonizing new habitats and therefore are not a threat to our native wildlife. Please report any sightings of this gecko to J. D. Kleopher at john.kleopfer@dgif.virginia.gov     

Description:  4 - 5 inches  (10 - 12.7 cm) in total length. Most have an overall light or pale coloration, the dorsum is very bumpy with prominent tubercles. The toe pads are broad and extend almost the entire length of the toe.
Habits: Nocturnal, often found perched on walls around outside lights. During the day, these geckos hide in cracks, crevices, and under surface cover.
Prey Items: Include a variety of insects, spiders, and other invertebrates.

For additional on the Mediterranean Gecko in Virginia see:
Sattler, Paul. Lane, Cynthia. Harris, Kyle. 2007. Catesbeiana, Number 1, Volume 27. Status and Distribution of the Mediterranean Gecko (Hemidactylus turcicus) in Virginia.

Virginia Fish and Wildlife Information Service: Species Booklet

Photos:

*Click on a thumbnail for a larger version.

Typical Coloration	Ventral View	Normal & Dark Color Phases

Other Online Resources:

References:

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Conant, R. and J.T. Collins. 1998. A Field Guide to Amphibians and Reptiles, Eastern and Central North America. Expanded, Third Edition. Houghton Mifflin, Co., Boston, MA. 616 pages.

Dorcas, Michael E. 2004. A Guide to the Snakes of North Carolina. Davidson College. 40 pages.

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Mitchell, Joseph C. and Reay, Karen K. 1999. Atlas of Amphibians & Reptiles in Virginia. Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Special Publication # 1, Wildlife Diversity Division, Richmond, VA. 122 pages.

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Petranka, James W. 1998. Salamanders of the United States and Canada. Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington D.C. 587 pages.

Pinder, M.J. and J.C. Mitchell. 2001. A Guide to the Snakes of Virginia. Wildlife Diversity Special Publication Number 2, Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries. Richmond, VA. 32 pages.

Tennant, Alan and R.D. Bartlett. 2000. Snakes of North America Eastern and Central Regions. Gulf Publishing Company, Houston, TX. 588 pages.

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Wright, Albert and Anna. 1957. Handbook of Snakes of the United States and Canada. Cornell University Press. 1105 pages.

Wright, Albert H. & Anna A, Wright. 1933. Handbook of Frogs and Toads of the United States and Canada. Cornell University Press, Ithaca, NY. 640 pages.