Geckos in Florida: An Overview of the Species You’ll Find in the Sunshine State

Florida is home to a diverse range of gecko species. From tiny dwarf geckos to the massive Tokay, these charismatic lizards come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors.

In this article we’ll take a look at the different geckos that call Florida home including both native and introduced species. We’ll go over identification tips, habitat preferences, fun facts, and more to help you get to know these fascinating reptiles.

Native Florida Geckos

Florida has only one native gecko species – the Reef Gecko. Here’s an overview:

Reef Gecko

The Reef Gecko (Sphaerodactylus notatus) is Florida’s only native gecko. It’s a small cryptic species that inhabits coastal habitats like mangroves, rocks, trees and human structures.

These geckos grow to around 2-3 inches in length. They have brown bodies with dark spots and stripes. Females have pale stripes on the head.

Reef Geckos are nocturnal and can be found clinging to rocks or walls at night, where they hunt for small arthropods. During the day, they hide in crevices and cavities.

This species occurs in southeast Florida, the Keys, and the Dry Tortugas. It plays an important role controlling insects in its native habitat.

Introduced Gecko Species

While the Reef Gecko is the only native, Florida is now home to at least 15 introduced gecko species. Here’s an overview of some of the most widespread and notable introductions:

Tropical House Gecko

The Tropical House Gecko (Hemidactylus mabouia) is one of the most ubiquitous introduced geckos in Florida. As its name suggests, it often turns up in and around human dwellings.

Native to Africa, this species measures around 4-6 inches long. It has a light brown body marked with darker spots and stripes. The belly is pale.

Tropical House Geckos are primarily nocturnal. They frequently gather around exterior lights to feed on insects. These geckos are adept climbers and can scale walls, fences, trees and more.

Mediterranean House Gecko

Closely related to the Tropical House Gecko is the Mediterranean House Gecko (Hemidactylus turcicus). As its name implies, it hails from the Mediterranean region originally.

Another introduced species that associates with human habitats, these geckos grow to around 4-5 inches in length. They have warty skin and lines of dark spots.

Mediterranean House Geckos are active at night. During the day they hide out in crevices and cavities, often around human homes and settlements.

Tokay Gecko

One of the largest gecko species worldwide, the Tokay Gecko (Gekko gecko) is native to Asia but has been introduced to Florida.

Tokays can reach up to 13 inches in length. Males are more boldly colored with blue, red, orange, and black markings. Females are more subdued in color.

These geckos have a loud, barking vocalization they use to communicate. Bites can be quite painful due to their large jaw muscles and teeth.

In Florida, Tokays mainly occur in the southern part of the state around urban and suburban areas.

Indo-Pacific House Gecko

Another house gecko, the Indo-Pacific House Gecko (Hemidactylus garnotii) is native to tropical Asia and Africa. Adults reach around 5 inches long.

The belly is yellowish and the back is light brown. Dark reticulated patterns decorate the back and head. At night, the body appears more translucent.

Nocturnal and cryptic, these geckos can turn up around human homes, especially in southern Florida. They frequently cling to walls.

Moorish Gecko

The Moorish Gecko (Tarentola mauritanica) is native to the Mediterranean region and parts of northern Africa. In Florida, small introduced populations occur around Miami-Dade County.

These geckos are primarily gray or brown, with darker markings. The skin has a rough, spiny texture. Adults reach around 5-6 inches in length.

As the common name suggests, Moorish Geckos frequent vertical surfaces like walls and cliffs. They are active at night.

Habits and Habitats

Florida’s geckos occupy a diversity of habitats, from mangrove forests to city buildings. Most species hunt insects and other small invertebrates.

Many gecko species in Florida are nocturnal, spending the day hidden in crevices, rock piles, leaf litter or other refuges. Wall-climbing species like House Geckos emerge at night to hunt around lights.

Leaf litter-dwellers like Reef Geckos and dwarf geckos search through decaying plant matter for tiny bugs and worms under cover of darkness.

Larger geckos will tackle bigger prey like roaches, crickets, moths, and even small vertebrates. Tokays are known to eat small birds, frogs, snakes, and rodents.

Fun Facts

• Many geckos have specialized toe pads that allow them to climb smooth surfaces, even upside down!

• Gecko toes have millions of microscopic hairs that interact with surfaces through van der Waals forces. This helps them stick.

• Gecko tails can break off when grabbed by a predator. The tail will regenerate over time.

• Unlike other lizards, geckos’ eyelids are fused and transparent. They lick their eyes to keep them clean and moist.

• The largest gecko species is the New Caledonian Giant Gecko, which can reach up to 13 inches long.

• Geckos have excellent night vision. Their huge pupil openings allow maximum light intake.

• Gecko calls range from chirps to barks to squeaks. Some species even “talk” to each other with croaks and clicks.

Florida is home to a surprising diversity of geckos, both native and introduced. From tiny Reef Geckos to massive Tokays, the state harbors an array of these charismatic lizards.

Geckos fill an important niche as insectivores and are fun to observe in backyards and natural areas. Just be sure not to touch them, as Salmonella can be a concern.

With proper habitat management, Florida’s native Reef Gecko can continue to thrive alongside introduced species. Protecting coastal forests and scrub will benefit this unique lizard.

Geckos add another layer of diversity and interest to Florida’s ecosystems. Keep an eye out around porch lights and garden foliage to observe these captivating creatures.