Reptiles of North Carolina
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Sole representative of Gekkonidae in NC
NC Records

Hemidactylus turcicus - Mediterranean Gecko


Photo: D.C. Hofmann
Taxonomy
Class: Reptilia Order: Squamata Family: Gekkonidae Subfamily: Gekkoninae
Taxonomic Comments: One of six species in this very large Old World genus -- Wikipedia lists 190 species -- that have become established in North America north of Mexico (SSAR, 2016). Only this species can be considered established in North Carolina, although four others have been introduced into Florida and elsewhere in the Southeast (see Gibbons et al., 2009) and may eventually be found in North Carolina. At least two other species -- H. garnotii and H. mabouia -- have been recorded at least once in our state, but so far do not appear to be established.
Species Comments: Mediterranean Geckos are native to southern Europe, across the Mediterranean, and east to India (Gibbons et al., 2009). They were first recorded in Florida in 1910 and have now been in a number of southern states, with most, if not all, records coming from human habitations.
Identification
Description: As the only established species of True Gecko (Gekkonidae) found in North Carolina, it is largely unmistakable; however, several recent one-off records of various other gecko species have been reported in our state which may confound identification (see the Unestablished Non-Native Species page for more information). A good quality photograph showing the head, feet, or inverted position on a ceiling should be sufficient as the basis for a record. The eyes in this family lack eyelids, with a transparent scale covering them instead. They also have pads on their toes that are covered with setae that allows them to cling to slick surfaces and to walk while hanging upside down. Anoles possess similar pads and can climb vertical surfaces but not ceilings; they also have eyelids and differ in color and markings.
Field Marks: The body is semi-transparent and the color ranges from gray to pinkish- or whitish-gray. Darker spots are scattered over the dorsal surface, which also bears small turbercles; these extend on to the legs as well. The tail is marked with dark rings that are especially contrasting in juveniles (Beane et al., 2010).
Morphological Features: The pupil in this species is vertical, similar to those of cats and other nocturnal vertebrates. In addition to the adhesive pads, the toes are broad, with a noticeable claw.
Vocalizations: This is our only species of lizard that vocalizes, making mouse-like squeaks that are repeated at more-or-less regular intervals (Beane et al., 2010; Powell et al., 2016). Dominant males also issue clicking sounds.
Technical Reference: Not included in Palmer and Braswell (1995)
Field Guide Descriptions: Beane et al. (2010); Powell et al. (2016)
Online Photos:    Google   iNaturalist   GBIF
Observation Methods: This species is completely nocturnal and becomes active in houses once the lights have been turned off for the night.
Distribution in North Carolina
Distribution Comments: This species appears to be increasing its presence in North Carolina. Palmer and Braswell (1995), did not include any records for it and Beane et al. (2010) showed only single dots for it in Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Now however, we have dozens of records from thirty counties in all parts of the state, with most concentrated in urban and residential areas in the Piedmont and Coastal Plain. Some of these records appear to be one-off introductions, but in places with regular reports of juveniles and adults, we assume populations are now established.
Distribution Reference: NCMNS Herpetology Collection Database (accessed 2023-01); GBIF.org (13 February 2023) GBIF Occurrence Download https://doi.org/10.15468/dl.mtmnms; iNaturalist/GBIF records (9 February 2024)
County Map: Clicking on a county returns the records for the species in that county.
Key Habitat Requirements
Habitat: This gecko is associated with human habitations, where it finds shelter, warmth, and food in the form of anthropophilic insects.
Biotic Relationships: Mediterranean Geckos, like other anthropophilic lizards, feed primarily on the arthropods that are also associated with human dwellings, such various species of house spiders, silverfish, and roaches.
Life History and Autecology
General Ecology
Community Ecology: This species probably interacts to only a minimal extent with our native species and ecosystems and although exotic and invasive its presence in North Carolina is essentially benign.
Adverse Environmental Impacts
Status in North Carolina
NHP State Rank: SE
Global Rank: G5
Status Comments: As an introduced species that is highly associated with human dwellings, Mediterranean Geckos have essentially no value in terms of conserving our native biodiversity. They are, however, harmless and do some service to the humans whose homes they occupy by feeding on insect pests.

Photo Gallery for Hemidactylus turcicus - Mediterranean Gecko

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Recorded by: D.C. Hofmann
Craven Co.
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