Mediterranean House Gecko
ExploreReptiles
Mediterranean House Gecko
Hemidactylus turcicus
The Mediterranean House Gecko is a small lizard that loves to live near people. They have soft, scaly skin and can change color a little to blend in with their surroundings.
Habitat: Urban areas
Appearance
The Mediterranean House Gecko has translucent, bumpy skin, often mottled in shades of gray, tan, or pinkish-brown, allowing it to blend into its surroundings. It possesses large, lidless eyes with vertical pupils and sticky toe pads, making it distinct from many other small lizards.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassSquamataOrderLacertiliaFamilyGekkonidaeGenusHemidactylus
Category
ReptilesRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Female geckos often lay their eggs in communal spots, sharing safe nurseries for their babies!
These geckos clean their lidless eyes by licking them with their tongue – imagine that!
They can sometimes change their skin color slightly to become a super camouflage master!
You can sometimes see their internal organs through their almost transparent skin!
Special abilities
Ability
Super Sticky Toes
Mediterranean House Geckos can climb smooth walls and ceilings because of microscopic hairs on their toe pads that provide incredible grip.
Ability
Tail Escape Artist
Mediterranean House Geckos can detach their tail if caught, which wiggles to distract predators while they run to safety.
Ability
Night Vision Goggles
Mediterranean House Geckos have huge, lidless eyes with vertical pupils that help them see very well and hunt bugs in the dark.
Ability
Chirp Communicator
Mediterranean House Geckos make soft clicking or chirping sounds to talk to each other, especially to defend their territory.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 10-15 cm
- Weight
- 0.003-0.012 kg
- Lifespan
- 5-10 years
- Top Speed
- 8 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 1-2
- Incubation
- 50-90 days
Diet & Feeding
Tiny hunters, they feast on insects and other small invertebrates to stay strong.
Primary Foods
- Moths
- Crickets
- Spiders
- Small Beetles
- Mosquitoes
- Cockroaches
Foraging Method
- Ambush
Ecological connections
eaten by
Domestic Cat
Felis catus
Common predator in human-modified environments.
hunts
German Cockroach
Blattella germanica
A common household pest and food source.
hunts
Yellow Fever Mosquito
Aedes aegypti
Helps control mosquito populations in homes.
eaten by
Common Garter Snake
Thamnophis sirtalis
Some native snakes may prey on geckos.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Camouflaged
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
Insectivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.
Regenerative
Regenerative organisms possess the ability to regrow lost or damaged body parts, tissues, or organs.
Urban Friendly
This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Also known as
Common House GeckoTurkish Gecko
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Don't try to catch geckos; they are best left in their homes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Mediterranean House Gecko?
10-15 cm
How much does Mediterranean House Gecko weigh?
0.003-0.012 kg
How long does Mediterranean House Gecko live?
5-10 years
How fast can Mediterranean House Gecko move?
8 km/h
What does Mediterranean House Gecko eat?
Tiny hunters, they feast on insects and other small invertebrates to stay strong.
Where is Mediterranean House Gecko usually found?
Urban areas
How does Mediterranean House Gecko hunt?
Ambush
How many eggs does Mediterranean House Gecko lay?
1-2
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