Species Detail
Mediterranean House Gecko
Geckos

Mediterranean House Gecko

Hemidactylus turcicus

Habitat

Rocky cliffs, stone walls, and human buildings in warm coastal regions.

Range

Mediterranean region, widely introduced to Americas

Adult Size

3-5 in (8-13 cm)

Diet

Insects, moths, spiders

Find on MorphMarket
Conservation status:Least Concern

About this species

A small nocturnal gecko with translucent pinkish-tan skin and warty tubercle scales. One of the most successful colonizers of human structures worldwide.

Enrichment & behavioral stimulation

Mediterranean House Gecko is ground-dwelling โ€” enrichment should encourage foraging, digging, and secure cover rather than climbing.

  • Add a dig box of safe, loose substrate (organic topsoil/sand mix) for burrowing and thermoregulation.
  • Scatter-feed live insects so the gecko tracks and hunts rather than being tong-fed.
  • Keep warm dry, cool, and humid hides spaced across the thermal gradient.
  • Place low sturdy rocks and cork bark pieces to create exploration routes and rubbing surfaces.
  • Use slow or puzzle feeders to extend activity time and prevent rapid overeating.
  • Drag a feeder along decor to leave scent trails that encourage nose-down searching.

Housing & Social Behavior

Groups

Commonly found in small colonies; tolerate each other well in appropriate environments.

Housing guidance is general and based on species-typical behavior; always verify against current husbandry references and observe individual temperament.