Herpetofauna: One Life's List

Hemidactylus turcicus
Mediterranean Gecko

South Padre Island, Texas
February 22, 1994

Hitch-hiking on freighters, greenhouse plants and the like, these lizards have managed to spread themselves throughout the coastal areas of southern North America.  South Padre Island provides an ideal refuge for these geckos, and they are widespread among the island's structures; they congregate around lights in the evening to eat bugs and thus are easily spotted.  The Med Gecko pictured was found on a rock cut near Langtry, Texas, far from any shoreline!  Ken Felsman took the photo.