Critter Corner: Mediterranean Geckos

  Mediterranean Geckos, Hemidactylus turcicus, are a small, non-native lizard species found on Skidaway Island and throughout the Southeastern United States. In keeping with their name, Mediterranean Geckos’ native range is in Southern Europe and North Africa. Georgia has no native gecko species, with both the Mediterranean Gecko and Indo-Pacific Gecko being introduced to the state.

 In contrast to our native lizards, geckos have sticky toe pads (they can climb glass surfaces), vertical pupils, and no eyelids (one reason geckos are often seen licking their eyeballs to moisten them). Mediterranean Geckos range in color from pale pink to a gray or dark brown color, with characteristic bumps along the whole body. They can reach a maximum size of approximately five inches.

 Mediterranean Geckos are commonly referred to as House Geckos, and their preferred habitat is around human habitations. In The Landings, I have seen these small geckos inside irrigation pump houses, underground fuel tank sumps, and especially around outside lights. Mediterranean Geckos are nocturnal, and their diet is made up almost exclusively of insects. An outside light at night is a buffet to a gecko. Mediterranean Geckos can lay two clutches of eggs a summer, and male geckos will use vocalizations to claim territory.

 Unlike some other introduced reptile species in the Southeastern United States (e.g., pythons in the everglades), Mediterranean Geckos weren’t introduced on purpose or because of the pet trade. Instead, Mediterranean Geckos are here as the result of hitching a ride on international transport ships from the Mediterranean to the United States. While they certainly are competing with native lizards, like the Green Anole, there is no known population impacts from competing with the Mediterranean Gecko.

If you want to learn more about Mediterranean Geckos or other reptiles and amphibians found in Georgia, please visit srelherp.uga.edu/herps.htm.

If you have a specific concern related to wildlife (e.g., deer, feral hogs, coyotes, or migratory birds), please call TLA’s Public Works Office (912-598-5506) or visit SeeClickFix on our website (www.landings.org/service-requests). Remember, you also can use TLA’s app to submit a SeeClickFix request.