# Moorish Gecko (*Tarentola mauritanica*) The Moorish Gecko is a small lizard that loves to climb walls and hide in cracks. They have cool patterns on their skin that help them blend in with their surroundings. - **Category:** [Reptiles](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/reptile) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Urban areas ![Moorish Gecko](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Moorish_Gecko_%28Tarentola_mauritanica%29%28found_by_Jean_NICOLAS%29_%2834844955103%29.jpg&width=800) Photo: Bernard DUPONT from FRANCE, CC BY-SA 2.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Moorish_Gecko_%28Tarentola_mauritanica%29%28found_by_Jean_NICOLAS%29_%2834844955103%29.jpg) ## Appearance The Moorish Gecko has a flattened body covered in warty tubercles, giving it a rugged appearance. Its large, lidless eyes are often golden, and its toes have broad lamellae. They typically display drab colors like grey or brown, often with darker bands. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Squamata - **Family:** Phyllodactylidae - **Genus:** Tarentola ## Interesting facts - Ancient Romans believed finding a Moorish Gecko brought good luck to their homes! - Moorish Geckos can grow back their tails if they lose them, sometimes even growing two! - These tough geckos can live in very hot places, tolerating temperatures up to 40°C! - They don't have eyelids, so Moorish Geckos lick their eyes clean with their tongues! ## Special abilities - **Wall Walker:** Moorish Geckos can cling to smooth walls and ceilings because of microscopic hairs on their toes, which helps them hunt insects in tricky spots. - **Tail Escape:** Moorish Geckos can drop their tail if caught by a predator, because the wiggling tail distracts the attacker, allowing the gecko to flee. - **Night Vision:** Moorish Geckos have excellent night vision thanks to their large eyes and specialized pupils, which helps them hunt in the dark. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 8-16 cm - **Weight:** 0.005-0.03 kg - **Lifespan:** 5-10 years - **Speed:** 2 km/h - **Clutch Size:** 1-2 - **Incubation:** 60-100 days ## Diet & Feeding Moorish Geckos are insectivores, eating a variety of small creepy crawlies they find at night. - **Primary Foods:** Moths, Crickets, Spiders, Small beetles, Flies - **Foraging Method:** Ambush ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** [Domestic Cat](https://www.snappit.app/explore/domestic-cat) (*Felis catus*) — Common predator in urban and rural areas. - **Eaten by:** [Eurasian Eagle-Owl](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eurasian-eagle-owl) (*Bubo bubo*) — Large nocturnal bird of prey. - **Eaten by:** Montpellier Snake (*Malpolon monspessulanus*) — Predator in its native Mediterranean range. ## Traits - [Climbing/Vine](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/climbing-vine): Climbing or vine plants are characterized by a growth habit that allows them to ascend upwards by twining, tendrils, or adhesive roots. - [Spotted](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/spotted): Marked with spots or patches of a different color. - [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. - [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. - [Urban Friendly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/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](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 If you see a gecko, watch it from a distance and don't try to catch it. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Moorish Gecko? Compare scales, body proportions, legs, tail and shell, if there is one. Many reptiles change their look with age, temperature or breeding condition. Reptile Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Moorish Gecko? 8-16 cm ### How much does Moorish Gecko weigh? 0.005-0.03 kg ### How long does Moorish Gecko live? 5-10 years ### How fast can Moorish Gecko move? 2 km/h ### What does Moorish Gecko eat? Moorish Geckos are insectivores, eating a variety of small creepy crawlies they find at night. ### Where is Moorish Gecko usually found? Urban areas ### How does Moorish Gecko hunt? Ambush ## Where to spot - [Cabrera Archipelago National Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/cabrera-archipelago-national-park) — Spain, ES · National Park - [Jardín del Turia](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/jard-n-del-turia) — Spain, ES · Park ## 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: [Moorish Gecko: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/moorish-gecko)