Characteristics And Habitat Of The Common Gecko
The common gecko is a small reptile famous throughout the Mediterranean basin, and is also called the wall tarantula ( Tarentola mauritanica ).
Read on to discover the main characteristics of the common gecko, a small member of the phyllodactyl family.
Habitat of the common gecko
Its scientific name is Tarentola mauritanica and is widespread throughout the Mediterranean area, from Spain to Crete. Despite being native to the Iberian Peninsula, it has been introduced to various islands such as the Balearics, the Azores and the Canaries. In addition, it has even been brought to the American continent, in particular to Uruguay, Paraguay, Ecuador, Argentina and the United States.
The common gecko usually lives inside old farmhouses, ancient buildings, abandoned houses or cars, rocks, in tree trunks, among debris, ruins or under canopies. He lives quietly in the most varied environments.
Description of the common gecko
As an adult this reptile can measure from 5 to 15 centimeters, to which are added as many or more centimeters of tail. Both the back and the tail are covered with prominent conical tubercles. When it loses its tail, it is able to regenerate it but the new one will have no tubercles.
At each end it is equipped with five fingers covered by lower and lateral protuberances, which allow it to adhere to any type of surface and to climb or move vertically on walls, including glass and mirrors. It should be emphasized that unlike the wrinkled gecko, which has nails on all fingers, the “common” subspecies has them only on two fingers.
The usual color of this representative of the gecko family is dark gray or brown, but there are also light gray, whitish or black specimens. In all cases the belly is lighter than the upper part.
Another interesting fact about this gecko is that its skin color varies depending on how much light it receives. In fact, during the day it can appear darker than at night.
Nutrition and behavior
This reptile has nocturnal habits, but begins its activity at sunset in the summer and in the afternoon in the winter months. It is a cold-blooded animal that needs heat to regulate its body temperature, which is why it searches for hiding places near sunny places. In areas where winter conditions are extreme, it hibernates until late spring.
As for its diet, the common gecko feeds on insects (crickets, flies, moths, spiders, ants, mosquitoes …), which it hunts by positioning itself near sources of light or lamps. If it is short of food it can devour smaller geckos.
Females incubate two round, thick-shelled eggs twice a year for four months. Puppies measure less than five centimeters and grow slowly. They live about eight years. To interact with each other they emit sounds and screeches. They are very territorial animals ready to defend their home or hunting area.
Some people choose to have a gecko as a pet, keeping it indoors in a terrarium and feeding it live insects or larvae. They do not require great care or attention. However, they are not animals used to living in confinement, and it is good that they live in freedom.
