Geckos are found in Texas, with several adaptable species established across various environments, from urban centers to natural landscapes. Their presence adds to regional biodiversity. Understanding which types inhabit Texas offers insight into their unique behaviors and ecological roles.
Which Geckos Call Texas Home?
Texas hosts both native and introduced gecko species, each with distinct appearances and habits. The Mediterranean House Gecko (Hemidactylus turcicus) is a widely encountered introduced species, typically measuring 4 to 5 inches in length. These geckos often appear light gray or nearly white, sometimes with darker mottling, and possess bumpy or warty skin. Unlike native lizards, they have large, lidless eyes with vertical pupils and specialized sticky toe pads that allow them to climb sheer surfaces, including glass.
In contrast, the Texas Banded Gecko (Coleonyx brevis) represents a prominent native species, generally reaching about 4 to 5 inches long. These slender lizards feature a pale pink to yellow base color adorned with brown to black bands, often accompanied by dark markings and a speckled underside. Young Texas Banded Geckos display a distinctly banded pattern that develops a more mottled appearance as they mature. Unlike their Mediterranean counterparts, they possess eyelids and lack sticky toe pads, which means they are not adept climbers.
Where Do They Live in Texas?
The Mediterranean House Gecko has spread extensively throughout Texas, primarily inhabiting urban and suburban areas. This introduced species likely arrived as a stowaway from Southern Europe and Northern Africa, possibly as early as 1915 in Florida. They have adapted well to human-made structures, frequently found on walls, fences, and buildings, particularly near outdoor lights that attract their insect prey. Their ability to thrive in such environments has allowed them to establish strong populations across East and South Texas, including major cities like Houston and Austin.
The native Texas Banded Gecko prefers more natural, arid habitats. They are commonly found in western and southwestern Texas, including parts of the Chihuahuan Desert. These geckos typically reside in rocky limestone foothills, canyons, creviced escarpments, and areas with sparse desert scrub vegetation. They seek refuge under rocks, debris, or within crevices during the day, emerging at night. While they can be found near human habitations, their distribution is more concentrated in wilder, less developed regions.
What Role Do They Play in the Ecosystem?
Geckos in Texas contribute to the local ecosystem primarily as insectivores, consuming a variety of arthropods. The Mediterranean House Gecko, a nocturnal hunter, preys on insects attracted to lights, such as moths, crickets, and cockroaches. This dietary preference makes them effective natural pest control, helping manage insect populations around homes and gardens.
The Texas Banded Gecko also plays a similar role, feeding on small arthropods like termites, other insects, and spiders. Both species are primarily nocturnal, most active from dusk to dawn. While the introduced Mediterranean House Gecko can compete with native insectivores for resources, they are generally considered harmless to humans and are not venomous. Their beneficial impact as natural pest controllers is widely recognized.