Geckos of Menorca
I first encountered these creatures when I worked in the Sultanate of Oman, many years ago. They are very good at propogation and are today found from the Middle Eastwestwards to Portugal and indeed into the new world from Florida to Maryland. In fact unlike other reptiles they appear to be highly resistant to pesticides. These reptiles are nocturnal and insectivorous, rarely exceeding six inches in length, and have large, lidless eyes and yellow- or tan-colouored skin with black spots. They frequently have stripes on the tail. Their undersides are somewhat translucent. Though technically an invasive species, due to their habits and small size they rarely threaten populations of native animals. They emit a distinctive, high-pitched call somewhat like a squeak or the chirp of a bird, possibly expressing a territorial message. These species of House lizards or are totally nocturnal, with the highest activity peak at 2:00am.
|
