House Geckos | Herps of Texas

Hemidactylus frenatus

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Scientific name. Hemidactylus frenatus

Common Name. Common House Gecko

General information. A nocturnal gecko species, Hemidactylus frenatus primarily eats insects, though other geckos have been consumed. Peak activity is during the first few hours after sunset. When present in Texas, this species can be found feeding on nocturnal insects around artificial lights outside human dwellings.

Protected status. The Common House Gecko is not a protected species in Texas and can be legally collected with a hunting license.

Diagnostic features. Tail somewhat flattened and as long as body Lateral fringe along each side of tail Enlarged tubercles near hindlimbs, not along entire dorsal surface Broad toe pads

Coloration. Dorsal color dark brown to light gray with mottling of pale and dark spots across dorsum Pattern of longitudinally arranged pale ovals on dorsum; occassionally irregular longitudinal stripes may be present White ventral surface.

General distribution. In North America, Hemidactylus frenatus, a native of southeast Asia and the East Indies, has been introduced globally and can be found in many urban areas around the world.

Texas distribution. In Texas, Hemidactylus frenatus has only been found (introduced) in Dallas and Galveston Counties.

Habitat. In its native habitat, Hemidactylus frenatus is found in disturbed areas. This species has been introduced around the world, thriving around human habitations.

Reproduction. Lays two eggs per clutch; can lay eggs year round in warm climates. Egg incubation can be 1.5-2.5 months.

Size. Hemidactylus frenatus reaches an adult maximum length of 11 cm (4.5 in), including tail

Map. Orange counties indicate new county records since previous Herps of Texas update in 1998; all other colored counties reflect known distribution prior to 1998 for species and/or subspecies. Map is based on museum voucher specimens.

Hemidactylus garnotii

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Scientific name. Hemidactylus garnotii

Common Name. Indo-Pacific House Gecko

General information. Hemidactylus garnotii is a nocturnal gecko species that feeds on insects. This species can vocalize when threatened or during interactions with other geckos.

Protected status. The Indo-Pacific House Gecko is not a protected species in Texas and can be legally collected with a hunting license.

Diagnostic features. Small, ovoid dorsal scales, with no large tubercles Large toe pads

Coloration. Dorsal color solid or slightly marbled color, either brown or brownish gray Small white spots found on dorsal surface, spots of varying size/shape Yellow belly Ventral surface of tail light red, orange, or yellow.

General distribution. In North America, Hemidactylus garnotii, a native of southeast Asia and the East Indies, has been introduced to Florida and Texas.

Texas distribution. In Texas, Hemidactylus garnotii has been found (introduced) only in Dallas County.

Habitat. In Texas, Hemidactylus garnotii is an urban lizard found only at the Dallas Zoo. In its native habitat, this gecko is found in both natural and disturbed forest habitats, as well as in human dwellings.

Reproduction. Parthenogenetic species; no males present in this species. Females lay two eggs that may take 1-2 months to hatch.

Size. Hemidactylus garnotii grows to adult lengths of 10-13 cm (4-5 in), including tail.

Hemidactylus parvimaculatus

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Scientific name. Hemidactylus parvimaculatus

Common Name. Sri Lanka Spotted House Gecko

General information. A nocturnal species that can be found on walls near outside light sources, eating insects and spiders.

Protected status. The Sri Lanka Spotted Gecko is not a protected species in Texas and can be legally collected with a hunting license.

Diagnostic features. Enlarged keeled tubercles in 16–20 longitudinal rows (more rows than H. turcicus). Tubercles on tail longish tail (H. turcicus with shorter tail and smaller tubercles).

Coloration. Without the strongly contrasting banded tail of Hemidactylus turcicus, this species has a similar light tan/brown dorsal surface with three longitudinal rows of irregular dark brown spots

General distribution. This species, native to southeast Asia, is an introduced species in the New World and is found in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas.

Texas distribution. In Texas, Hemidactylus parvimaculatus has been found at multiple localities in east Texas and the Lower Rio Grande Valley

Habitat. Found in open forests in its native range, this species has only been found around human-built structures in the US.

Reproduction. Unknown in US. Likely similar to other Hemidactylus: breed in spring and early summer, clutch of 1-2 eggs hatching in August.

Size. Adult Hemidactylus parvimaculatus reach body lengths of 6 cm (2.5 in) and total lengths of 10–11.5 cm (4–4.5 in), including tail.

Map. Map is based on museum voucher specimens.

Hemidactylus turcicus

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Scientific name. Hemidactylus turcicus

Common Name. Mediterranean Gecko

General information. Nocturnal; this lizard feeds on insects that gather near light sources at night. It can be territorial and males emit squeaks when defending territory, as well as at other times.

Protected status. The Mediterranean Gecko is not a protected species in Texas and can be legally collected with a hunting license.

Diagnostic features. Large, lidless eyes. Dark colored tubercles on head, body, legs, and tail. Broad toe pads extending to cover most of toe.

Coloration. Pale pink or white and translucent with both light and dark spots Young may have dark bands on tail that can be retained in adulthood.

General distribution. In North America, Hemidactylus turcicus is found from central Texas south to northern coastal areas of Mexico and on the island of Cuba. Scattered, smaller populations occur in the Gulf States, as well as many southwestern US states, particularly concentrated around urban areas.

Texas distribution. In Texas, Hemidactylus turcicus is predominantly found in the southern half of the state, although reports indicate populations expanding into areas of north Texas.

Habitat. An introduced species native to the Mediterranean, this gecko can be seen in urban areas on buildings near light sources

Reproduction. March through July; one or two eggs are laid.

Size. Hemidactylus turcicus grows to lengths of 10-12.5 cm (4-5 in), including tail.

Map. Map is based on museum voucher specimens.