Indo-Pacific Gecko

Description

4-5½ (10.2-14 cm). No eyelids. Toes webbed at base; clawed toe tips free of expanded pads. Light brown to gray, occasionally with dark or light spotting. Back scales small, granular. Tail flattened with lateral saw-tooth fringe; tail underside orange to pink.

Breeding

Unisexual; all females. No mating. Clutches of 2 eggs in communal nest throughout summer; hatching occurs late summer to midwinter.

Habitat

Tree crevices or loose bark. Also found on buildings.

Range

Introduced into peninsular Florida; native to S. Asia.

Other

Nocturnal. No males are known for the species. Like the Mediterranean Gecko, it commonly shares human habitations. It frequently can be seen at night on walls and ceilings, darting after insects attracted to lights and open windows.

Common House Gecko

Description

This gecko is pink in color and may appear almost translucent; there are small tubercles on its back. It lives and breeds alongside humans and is well known for its nocturnal cry of “chik-chak.”

Occurrence

Worldwide. In buildings occupied by humans.

Reproduction

Lays 2 eggs.

Similar Species

Indo-Pacific House Gecko (Hemidactylus garnotti), Moreau’s House Gecko (H. mabouia)

Remark

Originally from Asia, these geckos have colonized much of the tropical world as stowaways.