# Mediterranean Thin-toed Gecko (*Mediodactylus danilewskii*) The Mediterranean Thin-toed Gecko is a small lizard with a long body and tiny toes. They are great climbers and love to hide in rocks and bushes during the day. - **Category:** [Reptiles](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/reptile) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Coastal areas ![Mediterranean Thin-toed Gecko](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Mediodactylus_danilewskii_%28124924754%29.jpg&width=800) Photo: Sy Ys, CC BY 4.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mediodactylus_danilewskii_%28124924754%29.jpg) ## Appearance The Mediterranean Thin-toed Gecko is a small, slender reptile with a pale grey, beige, or brownish body often marked with darker spots or irregular bands. It has notably thin, unpadded toes, distinguishing it from many other geckos, and large, lidless eyes. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Squamata - **Order:** Lacertilia - **Family:** Gekkonidae - **Genus:** Mediodactylus ## Interesting facts - After shedding its old skin, this gecko often eats it to regain valuable nutrients! - Female geckos lay surprisingly hard-shelled eggs, often sticking them to hidden surfaces! - These tiny geckos are masters of stealth, often blending perfectly with rocks and ancient walls! - This gecko cleans its own eyes by licking them because it doesn't have eyelids! ## Special abilities - **Tail Escape Artist:** Mediterranean Thin-toed Gecko can drop its tail to escape predators, which then wiggles to distract attackers. - **Night Vision Navigator:** Mediterranean Thin-toed Gecko has large eyes that help them see very well in low light, perfect for nocturnal hunting. - **Wall Walker:** Mediterranean Thin-toed Gecko can climb rough surfaces and vertical walls thanks to tiny claws and specialized scales on their thin toes. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 7-10 cm - **Weight:** 0.003-0.007 kg - **Lifespan:** 3-5 years - **Speed:** 8 km/h - **Clutch Size:** 1-2 - **Incubation:** 50-90 days ## Diet & Feeding A tiny hunter, this gecko loves munching on small insects and spiders found in its habitat. - **Primary Foods:** Moths, Ants, Small Beetles, Spiders, Crickets - **Foraging Method:** Ambush ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** [Domestic Cat](https://www.snappit.app/explore/domestic-cat) (*Felis catus*) — Domestic cats are common predators of these small geckos. - **Eaten by:** [Aesculapian Snake](https://www.snappit.app/explore/aesculapian-snake) (*Zamenis longissimus*) — Snakes like the Aesculapian hunt geckos in natural rocky habitats. - **Eats:** Harvester Ant (*Messor barbarus*) — Geckos prey on a variety of insects, including foraging ants. - **Eats:** Wasp Spider (*Argiope bruennichi*) — Spiders are a common food source for these small insectivorous lizards. ## Traits - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Arboreal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/arboreal): Arboreal animals live primarily in trees, utilizing them for shelter, food, and protection from predators. - [Camouflaged](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/camouflaged): Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment. - [Insectivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/insectivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates. - [Coastal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/coastal): Coastal habitats are dynamic environments located along the interface between land and sea, influenced by tides, waves, and saltwater. - [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day. ## Collections - [Reptiles](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/reptiles) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Always watch geckos from a distance and don’t try to catch them. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Mediterranean Thin-toed Gecko? Compare toes, scales, head shape, crests and tail proportions. Many lizards can drop and regrow their tails, so a short tail isn't always a species trait. Lizard Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Mediterranean Thin-toed Gecko? 7-10 cm ### How much does Mediterranean Thin-toed Gecko weigh? 0.003-0.007 kg ### How long does Mediterranean Thin-toed Gecko live? 3-5 years ### How fast can Mediterranean Thin-toed Gecko move? 8 km/h ### What does Mediterranean Thin-toed Gecko eat? A tiny hunter, this gecko loves munching on small insects and spiders found in its habitat. ### Where is Mediterranean Thin-toed Gecko usually found? Coastal areas ### How does Mediterranean Thin-toed Gecko hunt? Ambush ## More Reptiles - [Pond Slider](https://www.snappit.app/explore/pond-slider) (*Trachemys scripta*) - [Western Fence Lizard](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-fence-lizard) (*Sceloporus occidentalis*) - [Common Five-lined Skink](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-five-lined-skink) (*Plestiodon fasciatus*) - [Desert Spiny Lizard](https://www.snappit.app/explore/desert-spiny-lizard) (*Sceloporus magister*) --- Source: [Mediterranean Thin-toed Gecko Facts — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/mediterranean-thin-toed-gecko)