Mediterranean house gecko
Hubby spotted this little guy on a family nature walk recently.
Apparently, there are two species of introduced house geckos in Texas. This is one of them. The Mediterranean house gecko (or Turkish gecko), Hemidactylus turcicus, and the Common house gecko, Hemidactylus frenatus. Supposedly these little guys are nocturnal, but this sighting was in mid-afternoon. And the introduction of this particular gecko probably happened as a result of being stowed away on ships coming from Europe.
Apparently, there are two species of introduced house geckos in Texas. This is one of them. The Mediterranean house gecko (or Turkish gecko), Hemidactylus turcicus, and the Common house gecko, Hemidactylus frenatus. Supposedly these little guys are nocturnal, but this sighting was in mid-afternoon. And the introduction of this particular gecko probably happened as a result of being stowed away on ships coming from Europe.
How amazing to see the shedding in process and get to explain this bit of science to our little academians :-)
It kept trying to hide from us, but once in this position with his head nestled in the shale, he kept still and we were even able to pet him!
Very cool! It's interesting to me when our own observations of an animal's behaviour are different than they should be according to the books (like you seeing the gecko during the day instead of at night). It doesn't happen very often for us, but it always makes me wonder. :)
ReplyDeleteoh. after seeing your house gecko, i am suddenly VERY appreciative of our little house geckos. ours are WAY less scaly/spiny and pretty cute. you've got me curious. now, i'll have to go look ours up... they must not be officially called house geckos as they are VERY different looking. thanks for sharing!!
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