File:Gecko Rockwall TX US.jpg

I'm not sure what type of Gecko this is, but there are several around the perimeter of my home in Rockwall, TX, USA. The darkness of the spots on the Geckos seem to vary by individual.

From the article, looks like a Leopard Gecko from the claws rather than setae - though I guess the spots might also give it away! Firien §

Mhh, doesn't seems like a w:Leopard gecko: the article say (and the photo in the articler shows) they don't walk with belly very low to the ground like other reptiles, and the legs and toes are much thinner. --Lapo Luchini 16:53, 4 October 2005 (UTC)

It's a Mediterranean Gecko. See the wiki article or get a good picture like this one here: http://www.uga.edu/srelherp/lizards/hemtur.htm

Based upon the elliptical pupils, the more pronounced warty appearance, and Texas locale it would be most likely a w:Mediterranean Gecko.

This looks a lot like a Turkish gecko (Hemidactylus turcicus) to me. This was one of the earliest geckos to be scientifically described, by Linnaeus in 1758. Originally from the Mediterranean - SE Asia region it has spread to many other warmer parts of the world including North and Central America. It has both adhesive toe lamellae (scansors) as well as claws. The size is quite variable from one population to another (not surprising considering its enormous distribution) reaching a maximum of about 130mm total length. The colour can also vary somewhat according to the 'mood' and also according to the genetic make-up. It feeds on small arthropods and commonly lives on rocks, cliffs or houses.

References and further reading: Cloudsley-Thompson, J. L., 1995. A note on Hemidactylus turcicus. Br. Herpetol. Soc. Bull. 51:31. Coburn, J. 1995. Breeding and Keeping Geckos. TFH, Neptune City, 160pp. Grant, C. and Deuel, J. T., 1944. Digital lamellae and notes on West Indian Hemidactyls. Herpetologica 2:126-138. Konecny, P., 2002. Natural history and captive husbandry of the Turkish gecko Hemidactylus turcicus. Gekko. 2(2):19-20. Linnaeus, C., 1758. Systema Naturae per regna tria naturae secundum classes, ordines, genera, species, cum characteribus, differentiis, synonymis, locus. 10th ed. Vol. 1. L. Salvii, Holmiae. Seufer, H., 1991. Keeping and Breeding Geckos. T. F. H. Publications, Neptune, 191 pp.