Saturday, September 22, 2012

Gecko and Flowers


This little critter has given me a startle a few times... it probably has a brother or sister in the house too.  It is a Mediterranean Gecko.  Not the greatest picture, but it is only about 2" long (a baby) and I cannot get down to its level very well right now.  You can almost see through its feet.

Pictures should open in a new window at Flickr.



Mediterranean Gecko
  
Description: 4 - 5 in (10 - 13 cm). Unlike any native lizard, geckos have sticky toe pads, vertical pupils, and their large eyes lack eyelids. Indo-pacific geckos are generally light gray or almost white in color but may have some darker mottling. This species is most easily distinguished from the similar indo-pacific gecko by its bumpy or warty skin.
Prey: Geckos eat a wide variety of insects, spiders, and other invertebrates.
Reproduction: Female Mediterranean geckos lay several clutches of two eggs throughout the summer. Instances of communal nesting have been reported, with several females laying their eggs together under bark, in crevices, or in moist soil.
Abundance: The Mediterranean gecko is firmly established in Florida and is spreading northward. It is almost always associated with human development and is an abundant species in suburban and urban areas.
Notes: This species' adaptability has made it a very successful invader. It is unknown what impact the introduction of this and other species has and will have on native wildlife. Unlike most lizards, geckos are capable of vocalizing, often making squeaking or barking noises in territorial disputes or to deter a predator.

More info here: Mediterranean Gecko

The Angel Trumpet did not produce as many blossoms this year.... not sure what we did differently.  The blooms we did have were pretty.



I saw these along my walk the other day.  The red flower is a type of morning glory too.

Morning Glories
 
 I had not seen these pretty little red flowers before last year.  They are called Turks Cap.  I did enhance the color slightly on this photo.  The flower on the left has fallen over and is beginning to wilt.  

Turks Cap 

Another Turks Cap.  I still need more practice.  I cannot seem to get everything in the focus I want.

Turks Cap

Autumn is here.... at least it should feel like it next week.  I do love the change in lighting.  The change of flora.  The change of aromas.  The coolness in the morning air.  A time I can enjoy with windows up or enjoy the patio with a cup of coffee in one hand and a good book in the other hand.
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7 comments :

  1. Hi Zaroga, That little fella is cute but I can imagine being startled by him!!! Mama once had loads of trumpet trees. As I remember, she put 10-10-10 around them every couple of week when she watered. They really did bloom well. The fragrance in the evening is wonderful, too. I've never seen the Turk's Hat flower - that is cute. I like reading, too. Hope you both have a good evening.

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  2. p.s. Mama's trumpets would bloom best in the month of Oct/Nov. - must like the cooler temps.

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  3. When I had a pet store back in late 80 early 90's . We gave away a tokay Gecko. He was so mean, I was glad to see him go. Luck the customer. Was good with catching him.
    I love the angel trumpet. It is one of my favorite plants.

    Thanks for all the advice and knowledge you share with me on food. We are getting a handle on what hubby can eat now.

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  4. Howdee:) We have a little lizard like this by the back door of the guesthouse here in West Texas. Every evening I see it scurry by. Hopefully its eating the flies that hang out by the back door too. (and yes, I'm guilty of leaving the light on at night to attract more bugs for it;) Is your angel trumpet hardy? I'd love to have a drooping one like that at mom's.

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  5. He is a cute little guy--but I would be startled by him, too! You have some pretty flowers! I have never seen a Turk's Cap-but the red is beautiful!

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  6. We had the little green ones in Savannah. U just got used to them.
    Thanks for finding me again.

    Sandy

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  7. We still seem to have summer here in Oregon. Not complaining though! The little Gecko is adorable but somehow they scare me. Lol! What beautiful flowers! I've been out of pocket but coming back slowly and surely into blogging. So glad you are here too!

    xoxo

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Thank you for visiting my Nook. Your comments are much appreciated.

Make it a great day!

Zaroga