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.
Key Facts
- ›Native to the western Mediterranean area of North Africa and Europe.
- ›Nocturnal and primarily insectivorous, hunting insects on walls and near light sources.
- ›Adults can reach up to 15 cm (6 inches) in length.
- ›Possesses prominent conic tubercles, giving it a spiny, armored appearance.
- ›Lays two eggs twice a year and takes 4-5 years to mature in captivity.
- ›Has been introduced to various regions and can impact native fauna.
Common Wall Gecko, Moorish Gecko, Crocodile Gecko, European Common Gecko, Tarantola, Osga, Salamanquesa, Dragó
North Africa, Western Mediterranean Europe, Madeira, Balearic Islands, Americas
Urban Environments, Walls, Construction Sites, Ruins, Rock Fields, Tree Trunks, Warm Coastal Areas, Inland Areas
- Adults Measure Up To 15 cm In Length, Tail Included.
- Possess A Robust Body and A Flat Head.
- Back, Legs, and Tail Feature Prominent Conic Tubercles, Giving A Spiny, Armored Appearance.
- Regenerated Tails Are Smoother and Lack Tubercles.
- Mouth Is Obtuse.
- Eyes Are Large With No Eyelids and A Vertical Pupil.
- Fingers Have Large Lateral Growths and Adherent, Division-Less Laminae On the Bottom Face.
- Only the Third and Fourth Fingers Are United.
- Coloration Is Brownish Grey Or Brown With Darker Or Lighter Spots.
- Color Intensity Changes With Light; Darker When Active During the Day Than At Night.
Insects, Nocturnal Insects
- Mainly Nocturnal Or Crepuscular, But Can Be Active During the Day On Sunny Days.
- Hunts Insects, Often Near Light Sources.
- Can Be Found On Various Man-Made Structures and Natural Rocky Terrains.
- Has A Tradition of Cohabitation With Humans As An Insect Hunter.
Frogs, Smaller Lizards
- Introduction To New Environments and Predation On Native Fauna
- Adoption As A Pet Leading To Established Populations Elsewhere
About Tarentola mauritanica
Tarentola mauritanica: The Common Wall Gecko
Tarentola mauritanica, commonly known as the common wall gecko, is a distinctive lizard species native to the western Mediterranean regions of North Africa and Europe. This robust gecko is easily recognized by its spiny, armored appearance, a result of prominent conic tubercles covering its back, legs, and tail. Adults can grow up to 15 cm (6 inches) in length, featuring large eyes with vertical pupils and specialized toe lamellae for climbing.
Habitat and Behavior
Primarily a nocturnal or crepuscular animal, Tarentola mauritanica is often found on walls in urban environments, construction sites, ruins, and rocky areas, especially in warm coastal regions. It has a long-standing tradition of cohabiting with humans, serving as an efficient insect hunter. While typically active at night, it may bask during the day, particularly on sunny winter days. Its diet consists mainly of insects, which it hunts near artificial light sources.
Distribution and Reproduction
Beyond its native range, which includes much of the Iberian Peninsula, southern France, and coastal areas of North Africa, Tarentola mauritanica has been introduced to islands like Madeira and the Balearic Islands, as well as parts of the Americas. Reproduction is oviparous, with females typically laying two eggs twice a year, usually in April and June. The incubation period lasts approximately four months, and young geckos are born at less than 5 cm (2 inches) in length. Maturity is reached relatively slowly, taking 4 to 5 years in captivity. The introduction of this species to new areas can pose a threat to native fauna through predation.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tarentola mauritanica commonly called?
Tarentola mauritanica is widely known as the common wall gecko. It also goes by other common names such as the Moorish gecko, crocodile gecko, and European common gecko.
Where is the common wall gecko found naturally?
The common wall gecko is native to the western Mediterranean region, including parts of North Africa (from Egypt to Morocco) and Europe (the Iberian Peninsula, southern France, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, and Greece).
What does Tarentola mauritanica eat?
This species is predominantly insectivorous, meaning it feeds on insects. It is often observed hunting insects, especially nocturnal ones, near artificial light sources.
What are the physical characteristics of Tarentola mauritanica?
Adults can grow up to 15 cm (6 inches) long and have a robust body with a flat head. Their back, legs, and tail are covered in prominent conic tubercles, giving them a spiny, armored look. They have large eyes with vertical pupils and fingers with adhesive lamellae.
When is Tarentola mauritanica most active?
Tarentola mauritanica is mainly nocturnal or crepuscular, meaning it is active during the night or twilight hours. However, it may also be observed during the day, particularly on sunny days near the end of winter.
How does Tarentola mauritanica reproduce?
The common wall gecko lays two almost-spherical eggs twice a year, typically around April and June. Young geckos, less than 5 cm (2 inches) long, are born after about four months.
What is the lifespan of Tarentola mauritanica?
In captivity, Tarentola mauritanica is slow to mature, taking 4 to 5 years to reach adulthood. Specific lifespan details in the wild are not detailed in available records.
Related Lizards
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.
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.
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.