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Wall Gecko

Tarentola mauritanica

Published on Project Noah
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-34.4544, -58.5275

Field Notes

Description:

The Wall Gecko received this name due to the ability to walk in walls and even roofs. Squamata, belonging to the family Phyllodactylidae. They are a foreign species in Argentina.
No larger than 15 cm, they are in several tones of grey. They can be seen in the evening and early night hunting near the lights, any kind of moths, Neuroptera, and others.

Habitat:

According to the specialists, they came to this country around the 80's and spread to Buenos Aires, the outskirts, Rosario and other major cities. The range of its distribution follows the urban areas near Buenos Aires.

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (2)

Hi Jim, in this picture you can see the feet completely opened, that improved the grip function. What I don´t know if how they can jump and run over the walls. It seems that gravity is in other direction!.
I am always amazed at how these lizards can climb, and even hang upside down on walls and ceilings. Good spotting!

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