The Mediterranean Gecko, Hemidactylus turcicus in Texas

The first report of Hemidactylus turcicus in Texas was made in 1955. The current range, consisting of numerous well established populations, is that area south of a line from Del Rio through San Antonio to Austin and Houston, Texas. The populations are extremely disjunct and always associated with human domiciles. Its habitat is consistently associated with well-lighted brick or stucco buildings. Fecundity is low but, in the absence of predation, population growth is extremely rapid. The distribution pattern is attributed to the Founder principle utilizing, with a few documented exceptions, unintentional human agencies. Dispersal routes in Texas, with time estimates, are postulated.