House Gecko (Hemidactylus mabouia)

The house gecko is the largest and most commonly seen gecko on St. Martin, as it is the only one which frequents human habitations. This species has been introduced by man to many areas of the tropics, including St. Martin and most of the Lesser Antilles. The coloration is variable, typically pale in specimens living on or in buildings. It can be easily identified by its large eyes, which it uses to hunt at night. St. Martin is also home to two species of dwarf gecko (Sphaerodactylus macrolepis and S. sputator) as well as the turnip-tailed gecko (Thecadactylus rapicauda), but these are seen much less frequently.

Large toe pads that feature tiny, hair-like setae allow geckos to climb across practically any surface, like Spiderman. At night they may often be seen on walls near lights where they hunt for insects attracted to the light. Despite their supernatural powers of locomotion, they tend to be very wary and run off when approached, even when they are already in a totally inaccessible location.

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