Tropical house gecko

The Tropical house gecko (Hemidactylus mabouia), also known as the cosmopolitan house gecko, is a species of lizard belonging to the Gekkonidae family. It is a native resident of sub-Saharan Africa but has been widely introduced to North, Central, and South America, as well as the Caribbean, largely due to human activity.

Physical Characteristics

This gecko typically reaches an average total length of 10–12.7 centimeters (3.9–5.0 inches), including its tail. Females tend to be slightly larger than males. The species is characterized by its banded coloration, usually in black and brown, although it possesses the ability to subtly change its color in response to ambient temperature and lighting conditions, with its scales ranging from dark brown to light grey. A distinctive feature is the presence of scaly lamellae on the underside of its toes, which provide exceptional grip on vertical surfaces.

Habitat and Behavior

Tropical house geckos are predominantly found in urban environments, having adapted well to living in human-modified landscapes. They are primarily nocturnal hunters, actively seeking out and consuming flying and crawling insects that are active at night. These geckos have been observed to wait near outdoor lighting fixtures, capitalizing on the insects attracted to the light. They are also known for their vocalizations, which can range from quiet peeps to rapid squeaking sounds, often heard on quiet nights near open windows.

Diet

The diet of the Tropical house gecko is quite varied, encompassing a wide array of prey. This includes invertebrates like isopods, centipedes, spiders, scorpions, cockroaches, beetles, moths, flies, mosquitoes, snails, and slugs. They also consume small vertebrates such as frogs, anoles, other geckos, and blind snakes. A significant component of their diet consists of Orthoptera species.

Human Interaction

In some Caribbean cultures, the presence of a Tropical house gecko in a home is considered a sign of good luck, as they help control household insect pests. However, their droppings, which are dark brown and approximately 5 mm long and 2 mm wide, can pose a staining problem on light-colored surfaces if not managed. Despite being harmless, in places like Trinidad and Tobago, some individuals perceive the common house gecko, or "wood slave," as a bad omen and falsely believe it has a poisonous touch.