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.
Key Facts
- ›Native to the Mediterranean region, it has become established worldwide.
- ›Primarily nocturnal, with peak activity around 2 AM.
- ›Insectivorous, feeding on a variety of invertebrates.
- ›Possesses sticky toe pads for climbing and large, lidless eyes with vertical pupils.
- ›Highly resistant to pesticides and often shelters in human dwellings.
- ›Reproduction involves internal fertilization, with females capable of storing sperm for up to five months.
Turkish Gecko, Moon Lizard
Mediterranean Region, East Africa, South America, Caribbean, Southern United States, Southeastern United States, Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Israel, Malta, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, Cyprus, Turkey, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Jordan, Syria, Libya, Egypt, Lebanon, Yemen, Somalia, Eritrea, Kenya, Iran, Iraq, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, India, Mexico, Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Indiana
Urban Areas, Suburban Areas, University Campuses, Cemeteries, Coastal Regions, Shrublands, Cracks of Buildings, Mountain Cliffs, Caves, Trash Piles, Attics, Under Baseboards
- Small Lizard, Generally Measuring 10–13 cm In Length.
- Possesses Sticky Toe Pads.
- Features Vertical Pupils and Large Eyes That Lack Eyelids.
- Snout Is Rounded, Approximately As Long As the Distance Between the Eye and Ear Opening.
- Ear Opening Is Oval, Oblique, and Nearly Half the Diameter of the Eye.
- Body and Limb Sizes Are Moderate.
- Digits Are Variable In Length With Lamellae On the Inner Digits and Fourth Finger/Toe.
- Head Has Large Granules Anteriorly and Minute Granules Intermixed With Round Tubercles Posteriorly.
- Rostrum Is Four-Sided With A Medial Cleft Above.
- Nostril Is Pierced Between the Rostrum, First Labial, and Three Nasals.
- Upper Surface of the Body Is Covered With Minute Granules Intermixed With Large, Suboval, Trihedral Tubercles.
- Abdominal Scales Are Small, Smooth, Roundish-Hexagonal, and Imbricate.
- Males Have A Short Angular Series of Four To 10 Preanal Pores.
- Tail Is Cylindrical, Slightly Depressed, and Tapering.
- Tail Scales Are Minute Above With A Transverse Series of Large, Keeled Tubercles, and Large, Transversely Dilated Plates Beneath.
- Coloration Is Light Brown Or Grayish Above With Darker Spots.
- Tubercles and Lower Surfaces Are Often White.
- Can Be Completely Translucent Except For Spotting.
- Some Individuals Are Darker.
Crickets, Grasshoppers, Cockroaches, Spiders, Beetles, Moths, Butterflies, Ants, Isopods, Snails
- Nocturnal Activity Pattern.
- Emits A Distinctive, High-Pitched Call.
- Juveniles Avoid Interaction With Adults Due To Aggressive Behavior.
- Voracious Predators Attracted To Outdoor Lights For Prey.
- Attracted To the Calls of Male Crickets To Intercept Females.
- Seek Darkness When Fleeing.
- May Be Seen Alone Or In Groups Up To Five Or More.
About Mediterranean house gecko
The Mediterranean house gecko (Hemidactylus turcicus) is a small lizard originating from the Mediterranean region that has successfully established populations across the globe. Commonly known as the Turkish gecko or moon lizard, it is recognized for its nocturnal habits, distinctive appearance, and remarkable adaptability.
Description and Characteristics
This gecko typically measures between 10 to 13 centimeters (4 to 5 inches) in length. It possesses characteristic sticky toe pads that enable it to climb various surfaces with ease. Its large eyes, which lack eyelids, feature vertical pupils that are characteristic of nocturnal predators. The skin is generally light brown or grayish, adorned with darker spots, and its underside can appear somewhat translucent. Males have a specific series of preanal pores, a feature used for identification.
Habitat and Distribution
While native to the Mediterranean, Hemidactylus turcicus has spread extensively and can now be found in parts of East Africa, South America, the Caribbean, and the Southern and Southeastern United States, among other regions. It thrives in a variety of habitats, particularly in areas with a human presence. Urban and suburban environments, including university campuses, cemeteries, and residential areas, are favored. They often seek shelter in cracks of buildings, attics, and under baseboards, which aids their proliferation. They can also inhabit more natural settings such as mountain cliffs and caves.
Behavior and Diet
The Mediterranean house gecko is strictly nocturnal, with its peak activity often occurring around 2 AM. It communicates through a high-pitched call and exhibits territorial behavior. As a voracious insectivore, its diet includes a wide range of invertebrates such as crickets, moths, spiders, and cockroaches. They are attracted to outdoor lighting, as these areas often provide ample prey.
Reproduction
Individuals reach sexual maturity within four months to a year. The breeding season typically runs from April to August, during which females lay an average of two eggs. A notable reproductive trait is the female's ability to store sperm for up to five months, allowing for delayed fertilization. Neither parent provides care for the young.
Survival and Status
The Mediterranean house gecko is known for its high resistance to pesticides, a trait that contributes to its survival in human-dominated landscapes. It also benefits from a lack of natural predators in many of the regions where it has been introduced. Consequently, its range is expanding, and it is not considered threatened or endangered.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mediterranean house gecko commonly called?
The Mediterranean house gecko is commonly referred to as the Turkish gecko, reflecting its Latin name, and also as the moon lizard because it tends to emerge in the evening.
What does the Mediterranean house gecko eat?
This species is insectivorous, with its diet primarily consisting of crickets, grasshoppers, cockroaches, spiders, beetles, moths, butterflies, ants, isopods, and snails. They are visual hunters and prefer live prey.
Where does the Mediterranean house gecko live?
It is native to the Mediterranean region but has spread to many parts of the world, including East Africa, South America, the Caribbean, and the Southern and Southeastern United States. It often inhabits areas near human presence, such as urban and suburban environments.
What are the physical characteristics of the Mediterranean house gecko?
They are small lizards, typically measuring 10–13 cm in length, with sticky toe pads, vertical pupils, and large, lidless eyes. Their skin is usually light brown or grayish with darker spots, and their undersides can be somewhat translucent.
Is the Mediterranean house gecko active during the day or night?
The Mediterranean house gecko is nocturnal, meaning it is primarily active during the night. Studies have shown its highest activity levels occurring around 2 AM.
Does the Mediterranean house gecko reproduce in a unique way?
Yes, females can store sperm for up to five months after mating, allowing for delayed fertilization. They lay an average clutch size of two eggs during the breeding season, which typically runs from April to August.
Are Mediterranean house geckos harmful to humans?
No, they are known for their benign nature. In some Eastern Mediterranean countries, harming them is considered taboo, and they are often kept as house pets.
Related Lizards
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.
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.