House Gecko
Species Description

The Mediterranean House Gecko (Hemidactylus turcicus) derives its common name from its native Mediterranean region and its strong association with human dwellings where it hunts insects attracted to lights. This species is also called the Turkish Gecko, referencing part of its native range, or simply the Common House Gecko in regions where it has become established. The term "Wall Gecko" is sometimes used, describing their habit of climbing vertical surfaces while hunting.

The scientific name provides geographic and morphological information—Hemidactylus means "half-fingered," referring to their unique toe pad structure with adhesive pads on only the basal portions of digits, while turcicus means "Turkish," indicating their occurrence in Turkey and surrounding Mediterranean regions. This naming is somewhat misleading as the species has since colonized tropical and subtropical regions worldwide through human transport, making them one of the most widely distributed gecko species on Earth.

In various regions where they've become established, local names reflect their ubiquitous presence. In the southern United States, they're simply called "House Geckos" or "those little geckos on the wall." In Spanish-speaking regions, they may be called "salamanquesa" or "gecko doméstico." Many homeowners worldwide know them as the small, translucent lizards that appear on walls and windows at night hunting insects. Their cosmopolitan distribution and close association with human habitation has made them one of the most familiar gecko species despite not being native to most regions where they now thrive.

Mediterranean House Geckos are small, delicate lizards measuring 4-5 inches in total length including the tail, which comprises approximately half their length. They have slender, somewhat flattened bodies built for squeezing into narrow crevices and moving efficiently across vertical and inverted surfaces. Their diminutive size and lightweight build make them one of the smaller commonly encountered gecko species.

The most distinctive feature is their semi-translucent, almost ghostly appearance. Their skin has a pale, pinkish-tan to gray coloration with variable darker spots, mottling, or banding that provides effective camouflage against walls and bark. In dim light, particularly when viewed from below on windows or ceilings, they appear almost translucent with internal structures faintly visible through the skin. This translucent quality gives them an ethereal appearance that many find appealing.

Their skin texture is covered in small, granular scales interspersed with larger tubercles—raised, bumpy scales creating a pebbly appearance. This textured skin helps them blend with rough surfaces like stucco or bark. The skin is quite delicate and tears easily, making them fragile and unsuitable for handling. They undergo color changes between night and day, appearing paler and more translucent during active nighttime hours and darker during daytime rest.

The head is proportionally large and flattened with enormous eyes featuring vertical pupils—a hallmark of nocturnal species. They lack moveable eyelids, instead possessing transparent spectacles covering each eye that they regularly clean by licking with long tongues. The ear openings are clearly visible as dark spots behind the eyes. The mouth curves in a permanent slight smile, creating an endearing facial expression.

Their feet are equipped with specialized toe pads that provide extraordinary climbing ability. Unlike geckos with adhesive pads along entire toe lengths, House Geckos have pads only on the basal portions of digits (hence "half-fingered"), with small claws at the tips. This unique structure allows them to climb smooth vertical surfaces and traverse ceilings while maintaining maneuverability. The tail is long, thin, and somewhat fragile, readily dropped when threatened and regenerating with different coloration and texture.

Sexual dimorphism is subtle in this species. Males develop more prominent pre-anal pores visible as a V-shaped row in front of the vent and may have slightly broader heads and hemipenal bulges at the tail base. Females are often slightly smaller. Definitive sexing requires close examination and experience with the species' subtle differences.

Mediterranean House Geckos are nervous, hyperactive animals with temperaments optimized for avoiding predation rather than tolerating interaction. They're lightning-fast with hair-trigger escape responses, fleeing at the slightest disturbance. Their flighty nature is not a flaw but an evolutionary adaptation—small, conspicuous geckos active at night near lights must be constantly vigilant to avoid predation by snakes, birds, and other predators. Understanding this temperament is essential for appreciating these geckos as observation animals.

These geckos are strictly nocturnal with strong circadian rhythms. During daylight they remain completely hidden in secure crevices, often in the same spot consistently. As darkness falls and temperatures moderate, they emerge cautiously and quickly become active. Their activity level at night is remarkable—they're constantly moving, hunting, exploring, and interacting with their environment. This high activity makes them engaging to observe during evening hours.

Vocalization is one of their most characteristic behaviors. House Geckos are among the most vocal gecko species, producing various chirps, clicks, and squeaks used for territorial communication and mate attraction. Males are particularly vocal, often calling throughout the night during breeding season. These vocalizations can be surprisingly loud for such small animals and may be audible through walls. Some people find the sounds charming while others find them annoying—prospective keepers should consider whether nighttime gecko calls will disturb sleep.

Hunting behavior is fascinating to observe. House Geckos are active hunters that patrol walls and ceilings searching for prey. When they spot an insect, they stalk slowly and deliberately before launching lightning-fast strikes. They can run vertically up walls and across ceilings at remarkable speeds while pursuing prey. Their toe pads allow them to chase insects across any surface without losing grip. After catching prey, they vigorously shake larger insects to subdue them before swallowing.

Social dynamics are complex despite their small size. In the wild, multiple House Geckos often occupy the same building, creating loose territorial systems. Males defend prime hunting territories—typically areas near lights with abundant insects—through vocalizations and occasional physical confrontations. These fights involve biting and wrestling but rarely cause serious injury. Females are more tolerant of each other. In captivity, housing multiple individuals can work with adequate space and resources, though males should not be housed together.

Defensive behaviors include rapid flight, tail autotomy (voluntary tail loss), and if cornered, they may attempt to bite though their jaws are too small to cause harm to humans. Their primary defense is simply speed—they can sprint across surfaces and disappear into crevices before predators react. Tail loss is common, and many wild specimens have regenerated tails. The wiggling dropped tail distracts predators while the gecko escapes.

Creating appropriate habitat for Mediterranean House Geckos is straightforward due to their adaptability and modest space requirements. A 10-gallon tank (20x10x12 inches) provides adequate space for one to two geckos, though larger enclosures of 15-20 gallons allow more climbing opportunities and better accommodate their active nature. Emphasis should be on vertical surfaces for climbing rather than floor space, as these are wall-dwelling species that rarely spend time on the ground.

Glass tanks or terrariums with secure screen lids work excellently. The enclosure must be completely escape-proof—House Geckos are remarkably good at finding and exploiting gaps, and their small size allows them to squeeze through surprisingly narrow openings. All ventilation should be through fine mesh screen that geckos cannot push through. Ensure the lid locks or is weighted, as these powerful climbers can push loose lids open.

Substrate selection is simple as House Geckos rarely interact with the ground. Paper towels work well for easy cleaning and maintenance. A thin layer of coconut fiber or reptile carpet provides more naturalistic appearance without complicating husbandry. Avoid loose particulate substrates like sand that pose potential impaction risks if accidentally ingested during rare ground-level feeding.

Temperature requirements are undemanding. House Geckos thrive at room temperatures of 75-85°F without specialized heating in most homes. Provide a small basking area reaching 88-90°F using a low-wattage ceramic heat emitter or small heat lamp, though many specimens never use dedicated basking spots. Nighttime temperatures can drop to 65-70°F without issue. Monitor with simple thermometers though elaborate temperature management is unnecessary for these adaptable geckos.

Humidity needs are moderate at 40-60%, easily maintained through light misting every 2-3 days. House Geckos adapt well to typical household humidity levels and don't require specialized moisture management. Avoid overly humid conditions that promote bacterial growth. Good ventilation through screen lids provides adequate air exchange while maintaining reasonable humidity.

Lighting should be minimal as these are nocturnal, light-sensitive species. Ambient room lighting on natural day/night cycles suffices for establishing circadian rhythms. Avoid bright lights that stress geckos and inhibit natural behaviors. UVB lighting is not required as they obtain vitamin D3 through diet, though very low-level UVB may provide marginal benefits. Red or moonlight LEDs allow nighttime observation without disturbing geckos.

Furnishing should maximize vertical climbing surfaces. Place cork bark flats vertically against back and side walls creating climbing surfaces that simulate walls. Add multiple small pieces of cork bark or commercial hides positioned at various angles. Include some branches or bamboo poles though House Geckos prefer flat vertical surfaces to rounded branches. Ensure multiple tight hiding spots where geckos can wedge themselves during daytime—toilet paper tubes, cork bark tubes, or commercial reptile caves work well. Avoid cluttering the enclosure excessively as these geckos need open wall space for hunting and movement.

Provide a very shallow water dish, though House Geckos rarely drink from standing water. They obtain most hydration from licking water droplets during misting sessions and from prey items. Change water daily regardless. Position the dish in a corner where it won't interfere with climbing space.

Mediterranean House Geckos are strict insectivores with voracious appetites and strong hunting instincts honed by millions of years of pest control in human dwellings. In the wild they feed on a wide variety of small insects including crickets, moths, flies, mosquitoes, small roaches, ants, and other arthropods attracted to lights around human structures. Their natural pest-control abilities make them valued residents in many regions where they hunt household insects efficiently.

In captivity, they thrive on readily available feeder insects. Crickets form an excellent staple diet—offer appropriately-sized crickets (no larger than the space between the gecko's eyes) every other day for adults or daily for juveniles. Mediterranean House Geckos have relatively small mouths limiting prey size despite their enthusiastic appetites. Count on 3-5 appropriately-sized crickets per gecko per feeding, though appetites vary individually and seasonally.

Dietary variety is important for balanced nutrition and enrichment. Rotate between crickets, small dubia roaches, fruit flies (for juveniles or small adults), black soldier fly larvae, waxworms (occasionally as treats), and any other appropriately-sized insects. Each prey type provides slightly different nutritional profiles. House Geckos are generally not picky—they'll enthusiastically strike at any moving insect within range, making varied feeding straightforward.

Gut-loading feeder insects before offering them is essential for proper gecko nutrition. Feed crickets and other prey high-quality vegetables, fruits, and commercial gut-load products for 24-48 hours before feeding to geckos. This process enriches insects with vitamins and minerals that transfer to your gecko when consumed. Starved insects kept without food provide minimal nutritional value and may attempt to feed on geckos if left in enclosures.

Supplementation is critical despite their small size. Dust insects with calcium powder (without vitamin D3) at every feeding, and once weekly use a multivitamin supplement containing vitamin D3. Since these are nocturnal geckos without UVB exposure, dietary vitamin D3 is essential for calcium metabolism and preventing metabolic bone disease. Despite their hardiness, House Geckos require proper supplementation like any reptile.

Feeding methodology can vary. Some keepers release appropriately-sized crickets into the enclosure allowing geckos to hunt naturally—this provides enrichment through natural behaviors. Others prefer tong-feeding at night, allowing direct observation of feeding responses. Either method works well. If releasing insects, remove uneaten prey after 12-24 hours to prevent them from harassing geckos or dying in the enclosure. Most House Geckos are aggressive feeders that quickly eliminate released insects.

Hydration comes primarily from licking water droplets during misting sessions. House Geckos rarely drink from standing water dishes, instead relying on droplets for moisture. This makes regular light misting important not just for humidity but for hydration. Mist in evening when geckos are active, allowing them to lick fresh droplets from surfaces. Signs of dehydration include sunken eyes and wrinkled skin—rare with proper misting but serious if they develop.

Mediterranean House Geckos are remarkably hardy animals when provided with basic appropriate care, evolved for surviving in diverse conditions from Mediterranean climates to tropical regions. Their robust constitutions make them tolerant of beginner mistakes and environmental variations that would stress more delicate species. Most health issues stem from nutritional deficiencies, trauma from falls or mishandling, or introduction of wild-caught specimens carrying parasites. A healthy House Gecko maintains good body weight, feeds enthusiastically, sheds cleanly, and displays vigorous nocturnal activity with frequent vocalizations.

Mediterranean House Geckos' exceptional hardiness and adaptability result in relatively trouble-free maintenance when basic husbandry is provided. Their 5-8 year lifespan, while shorter than some gecko species, still represents meaningful commitment to proper care. For keepers interested in low-maintenance observation animals, House Geckos offer fascinating behaviors and reliable health with minimal intervention required.

Mediterranean House Geckos should not be handled except when absolutely necessary for health checks, enclosure maintenance, or emergency relocation. Their extreme nervousness, lightning-fast movements, and delicate constitution make them completely unsuitable for regular handling regardless of keeper experience. This is not a limitation—it's a fundamental characteristic that must be respected for successful long-term maintenance.

Their defensive responses to handling are immediate and dramatic. When approached, they flee at remarkable speeds, often launching themselves into the air and potentially injuring themselves against enclosure walls. If cornered or grabbed, they thrash violently, readily drop their tails, may defecate defensively, and occasionally attempt to bite though their mouths are too small to cause harm. The stress of handling can cause them to refuse food for days afterward.

When handling becomes unavoidable, use extreme caution and specific techniques. Many experienced keepers use the cup method—gently herding the gecko into a clear container for examination or transport rather than direct hand contact. If direct handling is absolutely necessary, move very slowly, cup hands gently without grasping, support full body weight, and limit contact to seconds. Never grab, restrain the tail, or apply any pressure to their delicate bodies.

Their skin is remarkably fragile and tears easily from even gentle contact. Their bones are small and can be damaged by mild pressure during restraint attempts. Additionally, their powerful escape reflexes mean they may injure themselves trying to flee during handling—running into walls, falling, or becoming wedged in enclosure furnishings. These risks far outweigh any benefit from handling.

Health monitoring should occur through observation rather than hands-on examination. Watch feeding responses, activity levels during nighttime hours, body condition, and shed quality from outside the enclosure. Use red-light viewing at night to observe natural behaviors without disturbing geckos. Take photos through enclosure glass to document appearance over time for health comparison.

The true reward of keeping Mediterranean House Geckos comes from observing their natural behaviors—their remarkable climbing abilities, enthusiastic hunting strategies, vocal communications, and high-energy nighttime activity. Setting up appropriate habitat and watching them thrive naturally provides far more satisfaction than any handling session. These are display animals for keepers who appreciate extraordinary adaptations and fascinating behaviors over physical interaction.

Mediterranean House Geckos suit beginners seeking low-maintenance observation animals with fascinating nocturnal behaviors. Their hardy constitutions, minimal space requirements, and simple care make them among the easiest reptiles to maintain successfully. However, their nervous temperaments and vocal habits mean they're not appropriate for everyone—particularly those seeking handleable pets or requiring quiet environments.

The initial investment for House Gecko setup is minimal, typically $50-150 for basic enclosure, simple equipment, and minimal decorations. These are among the most budget-friendly reptiles to establish. The geckos themselves are inexpensive—often $5-20 each or even free in regions where they're established as wild-caught specimens can be collected (check local regulations). Monthly costs for insects and supplements run $10-20. Budget for veterinary fecal examination if using wild-caught specimens.

These geckos work best for adult hobbyists, naturalists interested in urban wildlife, or educators seeking display animals demonstrating insect-control behaviors. They're completely inappropriate for young children seeking interactive pets or for anyone expecting regular handling. Their nighttime vocalizations may disturb light sleepers—consider placement carefully if keeping them in bedrooms. House Geckos appeal to keepers interested in behavioral observation rather than physical interaction.

Space requirements are minimal with 10-20 gallon enclosures fitting easily on furniture. However, their active nature and vocal habits mean they can be noticeable despite small size. Their 5-8 year lifespan is shorter than many gecko species but still represents meaningful commitment to basic daily care including feeding and maintaining appropriate conditions.

Legal status varies significantly by region. In areas where they're established introduced populations, collection and keeping is typically unrestricted. In native Mediterranean regions, regulations vary by country. Always verify local laws regarding collection and keeping of wild reptiles. Some regions classify them as invasive species, while others welcome them as beneficial pest-controllers. Most House Geckos in the pet trade are wild-collected rather than captive-bred, though breeding them is straightforward for interested keepers.

Prospective keepers must honestly assess their tolerance for active, vocal, nervous animals that cannot be handled. If you want interactive pets or require quiet sleeping environments, House Geckos are inappropriate. However, for dedicated keepers prepared to appreciate them as observation animals, they offer unique rewards: watching extraordinary climbing abilities, observing efficient natural pest-control behaviors, enjoying their chirping communications, and successfully maintaining hardy, adaptable urban wildlife. Their minimal care requirements and fascinating behaviors make them excellent first reptiles for keepers interested in natural history observation rather than handling.