Nonnatives - Common House Gecko

Common House Gecko - Hemidactylus frenatus

Florida's Nonnative Wildlife. Species detail.

First year: 1979

Extirpated year:

Established status: Populations are confirmed breeding and apparently self-sustaining for 10 or more consecutive years.

Estimated Florida range: 4 counties  Less than 10 years, 1 county  Not reported breeding

Statewide trend: Unknown status

Threats to natives: None known.

Species Account: This Asian gecko is thought to be restricted to a few spots on Key West and Stock Island (Meshaka et al. 1994), and a few warehouse complexes in Lee County (Bartlett and Bartlett 1999). However, it is commonly imported in the pet trade and may be established around other reptile dealerships but mistaken for other gecko species. Adults may attain a total length of ca. 11 cm (4.5 in) and are typically found on walls of buildings. The ground color is ashy gray with an irregular pattern of darker pigment, but the color becomes very light at night. The scalation is mostly smooth, and the belly is nearly white. Captured or fighting males emit barely audible squeaks (Bartlett and Bartlett 1999).

Habitats: Central or core urban area, Low density suburban development, areas peripheral to core urban areas, and small towns

References

Bartlett, R. D., and P. P. Bartlett. 1999. A field guide to Florida reptiles and amphibians. Gulf Publishing Company, Houston, Texas. 278pp.

Meshaka, W. E., Jr., B. P. Butterfield, and B. Hauge. 1994. Hemidactylus frenatus established on the lower Florida Keys. Herpetological Review 25:127-128.

Links to more information

Ecology Asia account

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