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The reef gecko was detected in Florida circa 1850, around the times it became a U.S. territory, supporting the shipping-introduction theory. However, genetic evidence indicates that they originally colonized Key Largo, not Key West, likely by rafting, supporting a natural origin for the species in Florida. [6]
These geckos are nocturnal; hiding during the day and foraging for insects at night. They can be seen climbing walls of houses and other buildings in search of insects attracted to porch lights, and are immediately recognisable by their characteristic chirping. They grow to a length of between 7.5–15 cm (3–6 in), and live for about 7 years.
The body color is light green or bluish green. The skin between the scales often has a light color. A rust-coloured stripe extends from the nostril to behind the eye. On the back there are brownish or red-brick coloured dots which may form a thin line along the mid back. These geckos do not have eyelids, and they have flattened toe pads.
Leopard geckos shed at about two- to four-week intervals. The presence of moisture aids in the shedding. When shedding begins, the gecko speeds the process by detaching the loose skin from its body and eating it. [16] For young geckos, shedding occurs more frequently, once a week, but when they are fully grown, they shed once every one to two ...
Some geckos will eat their own shed skin. Snakes always shed the complete outer layer of skin in one piece. [1] Snake scales are not discrete but extensions of the epidermis, hence they are not shed separately but are ejected as a complete contiguous outer layer of skin during each moult, akin to a sock being turned inside out. [5]
This mechanism is the most probable means of the immigration for S. elegans elegans to Monroe County, specifically the lower Florida Keys. The subspecies has not travelled far since 1922. Still found in the lower Keys, this species has had a century to migrate north but has been limited by geographic barriers. [6]
Male geckos are colourful and have yellowish [14] to orange-coloured heads and dark blue bodies, [11] whereas the female geckos are more drab, having greyish white [14] or light brown heads and bodies. [11] The species are also identified by their round pupils and digits without extending lamellae. [13] [15] It has no eyelids. [11]
Leopard geckos are small lizards that derive their name from their spotted coloration. Hatchlings are on average 7 to 10 cm (2.8 to 3.9 in) in length and weigh about 2 to 5 grams. Adult females are about 18 to 20 cm (7.1 to 7.9 in) in length and weigh about 50 to 70 grams, while adult male geckos are about 20 to 28 cm (7.9 to 11.0 in) in length ...