Common wall gecko
The common wall gecko, scientifically known as Tarentola mauritanica, is a robust gecko species native to the western Mediterranean region of North Africa and Europe. Characterized by enlarged, tubercules that give it a spiny, armored appearance, this nocturnal insectivore is frequently observed on walls in urban and coastal areas. It has a long history of cohabitation with humans, particularly in Spain, where it acts as an insect hunter.
Key Facts
- ›Native to the western Mediterranean region of North Africa and Europe.
- ›Possesses enlarged tubercles giving it a spiny, armored appearance.
- ›Primarily nocturnal but can be active during the day in warmer periods.
- ›Feeds mainly on insects and other small invertebrates.
- ›Lays two eggs twice a year, with young born after approximately four months.
- ›Can reach up to 15 cm (6 inches) in length.
Moorish Gecko, Crocodile Gecko, European Common Gecko, Tarantola, Osga, Salamanquesa, Dragó
North Africa, Western Mediterranean Europe, Iberian Peninsula, Southern France, Coastal Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Greece, Madeira, Balearic Islands, Americas
- Adults Measure Up To 15 cm In Length, Tail Included.
- Possess A Robust Body and Flat Head.
- Back, Legs, and Tail Are Covered With Prominent Conic Tubercles, Giving A Spiny, Armored Appearance.
- Regenerated Tails Are Smoother and Lack Tubercles.
- Features An Obtuse Mouth and Large Eyes With Vertical Pupils and No Eyelids.
- Fingers Have Large Lateral Growths and Adherent Laminae On the Bottom Surface.
- Only the Third and Fourth Fingers Are United.
- Coloration Is Brownish-Grey Or Brown With Darker Or Lighter Spots, Which Vary In Intensity With Light.
- Coloration Is Darker When Active During the Day Compared To Nighttime.
Insects, Nocturnal Insects
- Mainly Nocturnal Or Crepuscular.
- Can Be Active During the Day, Especially On Sunny Days In Late Winter.
- Hunts Insects, Often Near Light Sources.
- Likes To Receive Sunlight Near Its Refuge.
- Has A Tradition of Cohabitation With Humans As An Insect Hunter.
Frogs, Smaller Lizards
- Impact On Native Fauna Due To Predation
- Introduction To New Environments Through Pet Trade
About Common wall gecko
The common wall gecko, scientifically identified as Tarentola mauritanica, is a species of gecko native to the western Mediterranean region, encompassing parts of North Africa and Europe. This species is well-known for its distinctive physical characteristics, including enlarged tubercles that provide it with a spiny, armored appearance. It is primarily a nocturnal creature, though it may exhibit diurnal activity, particularly on warm, sunny days near the end of winter. The common wall gecko is commonly found in urban environments, often observed on walls in warm coastal areas, and has a long-standing tradition of cohabiting with humans, especially in Spain, where it serves as an efficient insect hunter.
Description and Habitat
Adult common wall geckos can reach up to 15 cm (6 inches) in length, including their tail. They possess a robust body and a flattened head, with prominent conic tubercles adorning their back, legs, and tail. Their eyes are large and lack eyelids, featuring vertical pupils. The coloration typically ranges from brownish-grey to brown, often marked with darker or lighter spots that can change in intensity depending on the ambient light. These geckos are found in a variety of locations, including construction sites, ruins, rock fields, and tree trunks. Their distribution extends across most of the Iberian Peninsula, southern France, coastal Italy, and parts of the Balkans and Greece in Europe, as well as across northern regions of North Africa.
Biology and Reproduction
The diet of the common wall gecko consists mainly of insects, and they are known to hunt nocturnal insects, often congregating near artificial light sources. Reproduction involves laying two nearly spherical eggs twice a year, typically in April and June. After an incubation period of approximately four months, young geckos hatch, measuring less than 5 cm (2 inches). The species matures slowly, taking between 4 to 5 years to reach full maturity in captivity. The introduction of this species into new environments can pose a threat to native fauna, as they may prey on smaller amphibians and reptiles. The common wall gecko is also recognized as a host for certain protozoan and mite species.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the common wall gecko's scientific name?
The scientific name for the common wall gecko is Tarentola mauritanica. This binomial nomenclature is used to classify the species within the scientific community.
Where are common wall geckos found?
Common wall geckos are native to the western Mediterranean area of North Africa and Europe, including most of the Iberian Peninsula, southern France, coastal Italy, and parts of the Balkans and Greece. They have also been introduced to Madeira, the Balearic Islands, and some parts of the Americas.
What does the common wall gecko look like?
Adults can grow up to 15 cm (6 inches) long. They have a robust body, a flat head, and prominent conic tubercles on their back, legs, and tail, giving them a spiny, armored appearance. Their coloration is typically brownish-grey or brown with darker or lighter spots, which can change intensity based on light.
What do common wall geckos eat?
The common wall gecko has a predominantly insectivorous diet, meaning it feeds mainly on insects. It is known to hunt insects, especially nocturnal ones, often found near light sources.
When do common wall geckos reproduce?
Common wall geckos lay two almost-spherical eggs twice a year, typically around April and June. The young hatch after approximately four months, measuring less than 5 cm (2 inches) in length.
What is the lifespan of a common wall gecko?
In captivity, the common wall gecko is slow to mature, taking 4 to 5 years to reach adulthood. Specific lifespan details in the wild are not extensively documented, but maturity takes several years.
Are common wall geckos dangerous?
Common wall geckos are not considered dangerous to humans. They are small reptiles that primarily feed on insects and have a shy disposition, often observed on walls rather than interacting directly with people.
Related Lizards
Moorish gecko
The Moorish gecko is a nocturnal lizard native to the western Mediterranean region of North Africa and Europe, often found on walls in urban and coastal areas. Its distinctive spiny appearance comes from enlarged, conic tubercles covering its back, legs, and tail. Primarily an insectivore, this robust gecko plays a role in controlling insect populations and has a long maturation period.
Tarentola mauritanica
Tarentola mauritanica, also known as the common wall gecko, is a robust gecko species native to the western Mediterranean region of North Africa and Europe. It is characterized by enlarged, conic tubercles giving it a spiny, armored appearance and is commonly found on walls in urban environments, where it hunts insects. This nocturnal lizard is adapted to warm coastal areas but can be found further inland, having a long history of cohabitation with humans.
Anolis carolinensis carolinensis
The Anolis carolinensis, commonly known as the green anole or Carolina anole, is a small to medium-sized lizard native to the southeastern United States. It is distinguished by its ability to change color from shades of brown to green, a trait that leads to its common nickname 'American chameleon,' though it is not a true chameleon. These arboreal lizards inhabit forests, grasslands, and can even adapt to urban environments with sufficient vegetation and insect prey.