Mediterranean gecko
The Mediterranean house gecko, also known as the Turkish gecko or moon lizard, is a small reptile native to the Mediterranean region that has successfully spread across the globe. It is characterized by its large, lidless eyes, sticky toe pads, and distinctive purple or tan skin with black spots. Primarily nocturnal and insectivorous, it thrives in human-modified environments, often taking shelter in buildings.
Key Facts
- ›Native to the Mediterranean region, it has become a highly successful invasive species worldwide.
- ›It is nocturnal, with peak activity often occurring around 2:00 AM.
- ›The gecko is insectivorous, feeding on a variety of invertebrates.
- ›It possesses large, lidless eyes with vertical pupils and sticky toe pads for climbing.
- ›In some Eastern Mediterranean countries, harming this gecko is considered taboo and it is kept as a pet.
Turkish Gecko, Moon Lizard
Mediterranean Region, East Africa, South America, Caribbean, Southern United States, Southeastern United States, Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Israel, Malta, Cyprus, Turkey, North Africa, Middle East, India, Mexico
Urban Areas, Suburban Areas, University Campuses, Cemeteries, Coastal Regions, Shrublands, Human Homes, Mountain Cliffs, Caves, Cracks In Buildings, Trash Piles, Attics, Under Baseboards
- Generally Measures 10–13 cm In Length.
- Possesses Sticky Toe Pads and Vertical Pupils.
- Features Large, Lidless Eyes.
- Snout Is Rounded, Approximately As Long As the Distance Between the Eye and Ear Opening.
- Forehead Is Slightly Concave; Ear Opening Is Oval and Oblique.
- Digits Are Variable In Length, With Lamellae On the Inner Digits and Toes.
- Head Has Large Granules Anteriorly and Minute Granules With Round Tubercles Posteriorly.
- Upper Body Surface Is Covered With Minute Granules Intermixed With Large, Suboval, Trihedral Tubercles.
- Abdominal Scales Are Small, Smooth, Roundish-Hexagonal, and Imbricate.
- Males Have A Short Series of Preanal Pores.
- Tail Is Cylindrical, Slightly Depressed, and Tapering, Covered With Minute Scales and Large, Keeled Tubercles Above, and Large, Transversely Dilated Plates Beneath.
- Coloration Is Light Brown Or Grayish Above With Darker Spots; Tubercles and Lower Surfaces Are Often White.
- May Appear Translucent Except For Spotting; Some Individuals Are Darker.
- Skin Can Be Purple Or Tan Colored With Black Spots, Often With Stripes On the Tail.
Crickets, Grasshoppers, Cockroaches, Spiders, Beetles, Moths, Butterflies, Ants, Isopods, Snails
- Nocturnal Activity, With Peak Activity Around 2:00 Am.
- Emits A Distinctive, High-Pitched Call Resembling A Squeak Or Bird Chirp, Possibly For Territorial Messages.
- Juveniles Tend To Avoid Adult Geckos Due To Aggressive Behavior.
- Voracious Predators, Attracted To Outdoor Lights In Search of Prey.
- Can Be Found Alone Or In Groups of Up To Five Or More.
- Fleeing Individuals Often Seek Darkness.
- Males Produce Clicking Sounds To Attract Mates.
- Exhibit Copulatory Biting, With Stronger Bites Potentially Leading To Higher Fertilization Success.
- Males Have Been Observed To Bite Juveniles.
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About Mediterranean gecko
Mediterranean House Gecko
The Mediterranean house gecko (Hemidactylus turcicus), also commonly known as the Turkish gecko or moon lizard, is a small, widely distributed lizard species native to the Mediterranean region. It has achieved remarkable success in colonizing new territories, establishing stable populations across North and South America, the Caribbean, and parts of East Africa, becoming one of the most successful gecko species globally.
Description and Characteristics
This gecko is typically small, measuring between 10 to 13 cm (4 to 5 inches) in total length, though rarely exceeding 15 cm (5.9 inches). A defining feature is its large, lidless eyes, which possess vertical pupils and are adapted for its nocturnal lifestyle. Its skin is often described as purple or tan with distinctive black spots, and the tail may bear stripes. The gecko's underside is somewhat translucent. It is equipped with sticky toe pads, allowing it to climb effortlessly on various surfaces, including vertical walls and ceilings.
Habitat and Behavior
The Mediterranean house gecko thrives in a variety of habitats, showing a strong affinity for areas with human presence. Urban and suburban environments, such as university campuses, old brick buildings, and even within homes, provide ideal shelter in cracks and unseen spaces. They are also found in coastal regions, shrublands, mountain cliffs, and caves. As a nocturnal species, they are most active during the night, often emerging in the evening, which contributes to their moniker 'moon lizard.' They are attracted to outdoor lights, where they hunt their primary prey.
Diet and Reproduction
This species is primarily insectivorous, preying on a wide array of invertebrates including crickets, moths, cockroaches, spiders, and ants. They are visual hunters and show a preference for live prey. Reproduction involves internal fertilization, and females can store sperm for up to five months. The breeding season typically runs from April to August, with females laying an average clutch of two eggs. Neither parent provides any form of parental care after the eggs are laid.
Distribution and Status
While native to the Mediterranean basin, the Mediterranean house gecko has expanded its range extensively due to its adaptability and resistance to pesticides. It is now found in many parts of the world, including significant introductions in the Southern and Southeastern United States and Mexico. Despite its widespread presence, the species is not considered threatened or endangered, and in some regions, like Greece and Turkey, harming them is taboo due to their harmless nature and common presence in homes.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the scientific name of the Mediterranean house gecko?
The scientific name of the Mediterranean house gecko is Hemidactylus turcicus. This name reflects its origin in the Mediterranean region and its common name, the Turkish gecko.
What does the Mediterranean house gecko eat?
This gecko is an insectivore, with its diet primarily consisting of insects such as crickets, grasshoppers, cockroaches, spiders, beetles, moths, and ants. They are visual hunters and tend to prefer live prey.
Where does the Mediterranean house gecko live?
Originally from the Mediterranean region, it has spread to numerous parts of the world, including the Southern and Southeastern United States, South America, the Caribbean, and parts of East Africa. It often inhabits areas near human presence like urban and suburban environments.
What are the physical characteristics of the Mediterranean house gecko?
They are small lizards, typically measuring 10–13 cm (4–5 inches) in length. They have large, lidless eyes with vertical pupils, sticky toe pads, and often display purple or tan skin with black spots and stripes on the tail. Their undersides can be somewhat translucent.
Is the Mediterranean house gecko venomous?
The Mediterranean house gecko is not considered venomous. They are known for their benign nature and are sometimes kept as house pets in certain regions.
What is the conservation status of the Mediterranean house gecko?
The Mediterranean house gecko does not hold any threatened or endangered status. Its populations are considered stable and in many areas, its range is increasing.
When are Mediterranean house geckos most active?
These geckos are nocturnal, meaning they are most active during the night. Studies have indicated their highest activity levels often occur around 2:00 AM.
Related Lizards
Mediterranean house gecko
The Mediterranean house gecko, also known as the Turkish gecko or moon lizard, is a small, nocturnal lizard native to the Mediterranean region. It is characterized by its sticky toe pads, large, lidless eyes with vertical pupils, and distinctive patterned skin. Having spread globally, it often thrives in human-modified environments due to its resistance to pesticides and lack of predators.
Hemidactylus turcicus
The Mediterranean house gecko (Hemidactylus turcicus) is a small, nocturnal lizard native to the Mediterranean region, now widespread globally due to human introduction. It is characterized by its large, lidless eyes, sticky toe pads, and distinctive purple or tan skin with dark spots. This insectivorous species thrives in human-modified environments and is often found in cracks of buildings.
Lepidodactylus lugubris
Lepidodactylus lugubris, commonly known as the mourning gecko or common smooth-scaled gecko, is a widespread lizard species found in coastal regions of the Indian and Pacific oceans. These geckos are characterized by their ability to change color, typically appearing tan with dark spots or stripes, and are notable for being an all-female species that reproduces via parthenogenesis. They are omnivorous, feeding on a variety of insects, fruits, and other small food items.