The Geckos of Florida: From Tiny Tenants to Tropical Troublemakers
Florida, the Sunshine State, is famous for its beaches, theme parks, and...reptiles? Yep, Florida's got a wild cast of scaly characters, and geckos are definitely part of the show. But with all the sunshine and tourists, it turns out not all the geckos in Florida are Floridian-born! Buckle up, because we're about to dive into the fascinating, and sometimes hilarious, world of Florida's geckos.
The OG Gecko: The Florida Reef Gecko (Sphaerodactylus notatus)
This little guy is the true Floridian of the gecko bunch. Tiny but territorial, these inch-long geckos cling to the rocky shores of the Florida Keys, feasting on insects and blending in with the sand with their awesome camouflage skills. They're shy and secretive, so consider yourself lucky if you ever spot one!
The Hitchhikers: The Non-Native Gecko Gang
Florida's a popular vacation destination, and apparently, some geckos like a good vacation too! Thanks to international travel and the exotic pet trade, a bunch of geckos from all over the world have found themselves chilling in the Sunshine State. Here are a few of the most common:
- The House Gecko Posse (Hemidactylus spp.): These little acrobats are all about scaling walls and munching on bugs. They've become so common in some areas, you might even hear them squeaking at night (don't worry, it's their gecko way of talking).
- The Day Gecko Delegation (Phelsuma spp.): These brightly colored geckos might look fancy, but they're escapees from the pet trade. While they're fun to look at, they can be a bit too good at eating Florida's native insects.
Fun Fact: Some Florida geckos have mastered the art of camouflage so well, they can even change color to match their surroundings!
Gecko Myths Debunked!
- Myth: Geckos will jump on you and steal your jewellery.
Reality: Geckos are more scared of you than you are of them. They'd much rather scoot away than get tangled in your necklace. - Myth: Geckos can give you diseases.
Reality: The chances are slim to none. Just like any wild animal, it's best not to handle them, but they're not crawling around spreading plagues.
So, you've seen a gecko in Florida. Now what?
Most likely, you've encountered a harmless hitchhiker gecko. They're generally good for the environment, keeping bug populations in check. But if you're concerned about a specific gecko, or have one setting up shop in your house, it's always best to contact a wildlife professional.
Gecko FAQs:
How to tell if a gecko is native to Florida?
The Florida Reef Gecko is tiny (about an inch long) and lives near the Keys. Most other geckos in Florida are bigger and found in urban areas.
How to get rid of geckos in my house?
Geckos are good at catching bugs! But if they're unwelcome guests, sealing up cracks and crevices can discourage them.
How to care for a pet gecko?
If you own a pet gecko, research its specific needs! They come from different climates and have varying dietary requirements.
How to avoid geckos getting into my car?
Park in a well-lit area and keep your car windows closed at night. Geckos like dark, damp places to hide.
How to tell if a gecko is dead?
If a gecko doesn't move when you gently nudge it, it's probably a goner. But be careful – they can detach their tails to escape predators, so a missing tail doesn't always mean death!
