Mediterranean House Gecko
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Sauria
Family: Gekkonidae
Genus: Hemidactylus
Species: H. turcicus

A few evenings ago in Charleston, I found one of these little geckos on my porch. Growing up to 6 inches long, they are typically nocturnal and tan colored with brown tail stripes and yellow spots. This species is easily recognizable as Gekkonidae as soon as one observes the feet with the large toes.

When most people think about invasive species, most people think about alligators in the sewers in New York City and the Burmese pythons in Florida; however, this species is making quite the spread across the world. Although, due to their small size, they are not considered a threat to local species. It is believed they have been transferred through cargo ships and other forms are cargo shipment.

The little guy I was able to observe was around 10 PM on a warm night in Charleston near one of my porch lights. As their name suggests, they live well near and inside houses. Typically, they are attracted to outside lights as they draw in insects, which is their main diet.