Species · GBIF taxon 2445034
Moorish Gecko
Tarentola mauritanicaAlso known as Common Wall Gecko, Sarentolo, Crocodile Gecko, European Common Gecko
Moorish geckos are robust, heavily armored lizards that scale vertical walls and ceilings with remarkable ease using specialized adhesive toe pads. These nocturnal hunters frequently gather near outdoor lights in Mediterranean towns, waiting to ambush moths, beetles, and spiders. Their prominent, cone-shaped tubercles give them a spiny, prehistoric appearance that helps them blend seamlessly into rough stone and plaster surfaces.
NocturnalUrban WildlifeClimber
Licensed referenceCharles J. Sharp / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
- diet
- Carnivorous (primarily insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates)
- family
- Phyllodactylidae
- threats
- Habitat loss in natural areas, pesticide use reducing prey, and predation by domestic cats
- life Span
- Up to 10 to 15 years in the wild
LC
May deliver a harmless but pinch-like defensive bite if handled; observe them undisturbed on walls.
- Patience at porch lights: Wait quietly near outdoor light fixtures after dark to watch them hunt insects.
- Look for the eyes: Spot them during the day wedged into deep crevices, recognizable by their vertical pupils.
- Avoid handling: Appreciate their climbing skills from a distance, as grabbing them can cause them to drop their tails.