Classification: Introduced Species - Introduced into the state of Virginia in the United States.

Description: Schlegel's japanese gecko is a small reptile, averaging 13 to 16 cm in length, with an elongated body covered in soft, granular skin. It possesses a distinctive yellowish-brown coloration, marked with dark, irregular bands and spots. The species has small rounded heads, large eyes, and adhesive pads on the soles of their feet. Males are generally larger than females, presenting preanal pores which are absent in the opposite sex.

Habitat: In Japan this species occurs mainly in urban areas. In western Kyusyu, it also occurs in rocky habitats near the coast. In China the species inhabits forests and urban areas, it is found in crevices of building walls.

Range: Gekko japonicus occurs across the main islands of Japan, ranging from northern Honshu in the north and east to Kyushu in the south and west.

Found in these States: VA

Diet: Gekko japonicus predominantly prey on invertebrates such as various insects and spiders, which gather around light sources, by utilizing sit-and-wait hunting tactics.

Reproduction: oviparous; temperature dependent sex determination

Status: Listed as Least Concern in view of its wide distribution, presumed large population, and because the population is presumably stable.

Taxonomy: