Georgia does not have any native species of gecko, but it is home to one invasive species, the Mediterranean House Gecko. Being the only species of gecko found in Georgia, these lizards should be easier to identify if you are to encounter one.
If you happen to keep geckos, are a reptile enthusiast, live in Georgia, or just want to learn more about Georgia’s wildlife, this article is for you.
Table of Contents
Geckos in Georgia
1. Mediterranean House Gecko
- Experience Level: Beginner
- Family: Gekkonidae
- Scientific Name: Hemidactylus turcicus
- Adult Size: 4 to 5 inches long
- Lifespan: 9 years
- Average Price Range: $5 to $20
The Mediterranean House Gecko is native to Southern Europe and Northern Africa and is the only gecko to be found in Georgia, where it is invasive. This species camouflages, or disguises, themselves by utilizing two contrasting color phases- a pale phase and a dark phase.
The pale phase consists of light pink, pale yellow, or white coloring with brown or gray blotches. The dark phase is gray or brown in color with the previous blotches now obscured.
Mediterranean House Geckos are active at night and dwell in urban areas, feeding on insects attracted to the light fixtures. These reptiles can be found on ceilings, walls, and windows indoors, and outdoors they can be found in crevices in rock piles and trees.
Females lay several clutches of two eggs throughout the summer months under bark, dirt, and in hidden openings.
Wrapping up
The Mediterranean House Gecko is the only wild gecko found in Georgia, and it is an invasive species. These geckos can be kept as pets, however, their invasive status should serve as a reminder to never release pets into the wild in order to preserve the balance of local ecosystems.
If you find yourself intrigued by these geckos you can research about them as pets, or if you live in Georgia you may see these geckos in your environment! You should now hopefully be able to identify Mediterranean House Geckos if you encounter them in the wild!
Other states with geckos
Wanda Gordon
Sunday 17th of September 2023
We discovered a Mediterranean House Gecko living around the doorway into our newly occupied guest house. We live in Darien, Ga. The lizard has been seen repeatedly just after suppertime most evenings. There are crevices around the door for hiding, and insects to be seen as they hang around on the pale yellowish siding. How delightful!!!! The prior resident lizard of that area has been a Florida species of anole. Jacksonville, Florida is 90 miles away. We travel there frequently with boxes, plants, or plant pots to be exchanged with family members residing there. This could certainly be the source of the Florida anole species, and possibly of the gecko as well. Georgia has no native gecko species. The new guest moved here from Tennessee, by way of Midway, Ga. Transport could also have happened thusly.