What Is a Mediterranean Gecko?

The Mediterranean gecko, also known as the Turkish gecko, is a type of reptile that is native to Europe. Over the centuries, the gecko has adapted to different living environments, and its ability to prosper in different environments has enabled the Mediterranean gecko to prosper in countries thousands of miles from its place of origin. Beyond its European home, the gecko is now found in parts of Asia Minor, North Africa, and Central America. The species has also been introduced to North America and is now established in areas ranging from California on the west Coast to Virginia on the eastern coast of the United States.

Like many nocturnal reptiles, the Mediterranean gecko tends to forage close to areas of human habitation. At night, geckos are attracted to exterior lighting around residential and commercial properties, and they are often seen sitting atop walls. During daylight hours, the gecko retreats to darker surroundings, such as the cracks and crevices that are often found in and around buildings.

Sticky pads on a gecko's feet enable it to climb buildings and trees. Mediterranean geckos have vertical pupils but no eyelids. They are typically light grey, yellow, pink or reddish in color, although the pale colored skin looks almost translucent. Mediterranean gecko skin is scaly and often covered in warts and bumps.

The diet of the Mediterranean gecko consists mainly of spiders, insects, and certain kinds of small invertebrates. Adult geckos can grow up to 13 centimeters (6 inches) in length. Male geckos have smaller broader heads than females and double swellings near the tail, whereas females have no such swelling. Females can be easily be identified because developing eggs can be seen through the light colored skin on the female's belly.

Female geckos lay eggs after breeding, and Mediterranean geckos typically lay two eggs at a time several times a year. In some instances, groups of female geckos will lay eggs in one place. Under normal circumstances, the eggs take between 2 and 6 months to hatch, although in captivity the eggs tend to hatch within 60 days.

Some people keep Mediterranean geckos as pets, in which case incandescent light bulbs can be used to keep the gecko's tank at a suitably warm temperature of between 26°C and 32°C (79°F to 90°F). Tanks are often decorated with bark and sticks. Geckos do not drink water from a bowl or container, so gecko owners typically spray water into the tank and the reptiles will drink the water droplets.

The Mediterranean Gecko, scientifically known as Hemidactylus turcicus, is a small, nocturnal reptile native to the Mediterranean region. It has adapted to various environments and can now be found in many parts of the world. This gecko is recognized by its soft, translucent skin, and its ability to climb smooth surfaces due to specialized toe pads.

Mediterranean Geckos are insectivorous, primarily feeding on small insects and arthropods. Their diet includes moths, roaches, spiders, and other small invertebrates. They play a beneficial role in controlling pest populations, which is one reason they are often welcomed in human-inhabited areas.

Mediterranean Geckos are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs. Females typically deposit their eggs in sheltered, warm locations such as under rocks or within crevices. They can lay multiple clutches of eggs per year, with each clutch usually containing two eggs. The eggs hatch after approximately 60 days, depending on temperature and humidity conditions.

While Mediterranean Geckos are not native outside the Mediterranean region, they have been introduced to many parts of the world, including the United States and South America. In some areas, they are considered invasive due to their potential impact on native species and ecosystems. However, their adaptability also allows them to coexist with humans without significant issues.

Mediterranean Geckos thrive in urban environments due to the abundance of artificial light that attracts their prey and the availability of suitable microhabitats for shelter. Buildings provide ample surfaces for climbing and hiding, while the heat generated by human activity creates a favorable microclimate for these cold-blooded animals.

Despite their adaptability, Mediterranean Geckos face threats from habitat loss, pollution, and predation by domestic animals like cats and dogs. In regions where they are non-native, they may also be subject to control measures aimed at protecting local biodiversity. Conservation efforts focus on maintaining a balance between their presence and the health of native ecosystems.