Fauna
Reptile

Mediterranean House Gecko

Hemidactylus turcicus

Also known as Turkish Gecko, Moon Lizard

Mediterranean house geckos emerge at twilight to hunt insects attracted to illuminated exterior walls and porch lights. Their translucent skin ranges from pinkish-tan to pale grey, studded with prominent bumpy tubercles that help break up their outline against rough masonry. Adhesive toe pads allow these agile climbers to scurry upside down across glass and ceilings with effortless grace.

NocturnalReptileUrban Wildlife
Mediterranean House Gecko reference1 / 7
(c) Shannon Foreman, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyMoths, Crickets, Roaches
Predators
  • Domestic cats
  • Snakes
  • Larger geckos
ThreatsSevere winter freezes, heavy pesticide use, predation by outdoor cats
HabitatsUrban structures, building exteriors, crevices, Mediterranean scrub, rocky areas
Life span5–10 years
Classification
  1. FamilyGekkonidae
  2. GenusHemidactylus
  3. SpeciesHemidactylus turcicus
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Look Near Lights: Watch porch light fixtures and illuminated exterior walls shortly after sunset where insects gather.
  • Avoid Disturbance: Maintain a respectful distance to avoid startling them into dropping their tails.
  • Scan Crevices: Search narrow gaps in exterior masonry, window frames, and shutters during daylight hours.
Related species
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Emerald Kingdom

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