The
Peninsular Leaf-toed Gecko (Phyllodactylus
nocticolus) is the only Gecko species native to
the United States of America that is both climbing,
and nocturnal.
This gecko can be found in southern California on the
slopes of semi-desert mountain ranges, extending through
the Baja California peninsula. The Peninsular
Leaf-toed Gecko prefers open areas with a lot
of rocks, desert scrub, and canyons, and can be seen
both near and far from water.
The Peninsular Leaf-toed Gecko is a pretty typical
gecko. They have a large head, enlarged toe pads, eyelids
that do not move, and a flattened body. Of interest
is their toe pads. Unlike other North American geckos,
the toe pads of the Peninsular Leaf-toed Gecko
are swollen and bilobed in shape, and only cover the
tips of their toes. This gecko is considered small as
it grows to a length of about 2 to 3 inches. As far
as coloration is concerned, the Peninsular Leaf-toed
Gecko is a translucent gray, brown or slightly pink
in color, with dark marking on their dorsal
sides, and light marking on ventral
side.
The family of geckos that the Peninsular Leaf-toed
Gecko is a member of, Leaf-tailed Geckos, are
notoriously good climbers. They are never found too
far from rock outcroppings, where they hunt for insects
and spiders at night. During the daylight hours, they
can be found hiding under rocks, in crevices, or under
loose bark still on trees. During the coldest months,
this gecko will hibernate.
When it comes to breeding, the Peninsular Leaf-toed
Gecko lays clutches of eggs that number 1 or
2, just like most other Geckos. Their eggs are normally
stuck to rocks or wedged into crevices.
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