Mediterranean Gecko

A pale pink or white and translucent lizard with both light and dark spots, 4 - 5 inches long. Large, lidless eyes with vertical pupils. Dark colored tubercles on dorsal surfaces of head, body, legs, and tail. Broad toe pads extending to cover most of toe. Tail banded (particularly juveniles), but otherwise splotches on body.

It can be territorial and males emit squeaks when defending territory, as well as at other times. These geckos breed from March through July. One or two eggs are laid. Geckos are excellent climbers having toes with broad flat tips and claws. The underside of the toes are covered with broad plates that bear numerous microscopic hairlike structures with spatulate tips.

This is an introduced species native to west India, Somalia, the Middle East, the Mediterranean basin, and the Canary Islands. In the Southwestern United States, the Mediterranean Gecko can be seen in urban areas on buildings near light sources. This nocturnal lizard feeds on insects that gather near light sources at night.

Because it is a readily observed animal in our urban Southwest environments. Although many introduced animals and plants cause problems for native species, this gecko does not seem to effect the native banded gecko.