Reptiles and Amphibians
Our focus with this gallery is to show the creatures that we have stumbled upon in the wild. No zoo or shop shots for us. Or you. We may not see many creatures in this category, but we appreciate them none the less.
Herping is the act of searching for reptiles and amphibians. The term herping comes from "herptile", composed of Greek herpeton and Latin reptile, both meaning "to creep".
Along with our other enjoyments we count herping among them - enjoy.
HEMIDACTYLUS MABOUIA - Tropical House Gecko
Found everywhere in south Florida. This sighting was in the Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota Florida - November 9, 2021
From the website Wild South Florida:
Two things identify the tropical house gecko: the first is when and where you're mostly likely to see it. On a house wall at night close to a light, where it will lie in wait for a meal to fly its way. The second is those marks on the back, which vaguely look like chevrons. However, depending on the lighting conditions, the marks might not be all that apparent. It's a small critter, going about five inches from snout to tail. It is extremely wary and is quick to scoot (as we know all too well from numerous failed attempts to photograph it). Feel safe to get a good look at it. There is no danger that it will attempt to sell you insurance, nor does it speak with a British accent.
Usually the problem with invasives is that they displace native species. The story of this guy, the tropical house gecko, Hemidactylus mabouia, is different in that it he's displaced another invasive, the Mediterranean house gecko. Which, if you think about it, is pretty much of a wash.
