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.