The Mediterranean House Gecko, scientifically known as Hemidactylus turcicus, is a small reptile that has successfully colonized urban and domestic environments across the globe. This species is native to the Mediterranean region, but its adaptability and tendency to stow away in cargo have made it one of the most widespread lizards in the world. They thrive in areas near human habitation, frequently inhabiting exterior walls and ceilings where they hunt insects attracted to outdoor lighting. Finding these agile, nocturnal animals inside homes is common in warmer climates.
Typical Adult Size and Length
Adult Mediterranean House Geckos generally reach a total length of 4 to 5 inches (10 to 13 centimeters), measured from the snout to the end of the tail. The tail is slender, comprising a significant portion of this length, and can detach as a defense mechanism. The body length (Snout-to-Vent Length) typically ranges between 4.4 and 6.0 centimeters in mature adults. Females often have a slightly greater body length than males, with the maximum recorded total length reaching nearly 6 inches (15 cm). These geckos possess a very slender build, allowing them to slip into narrow crevices, and their weight is negligible, usually only a few grams.
Physical Appearance and Distinguishing Features
The gecko’s coloration is typically muted, appearing translucent, grayish-white, pinkish, or light brown, which allows them to blend effectively against stone and concrete surfaces. The dorsal side is often marked with darker spots or speckles, sometimes forming faint bands across the body and tail. A unique textural feature is the presence of small, raised, keeled tubercles that cover the skin, giving them a slightly bumpy feel. The head is triangular and harbors large, bulging eyes that lack movable eyelids; a fixed transparent scale protects the eye, which the gecko cleans using its tongue. These eyes are adapted for low-light conditions, featuring vertical, elliptical pupils, and specialized toe pads allow them to adhere to and climb smooth vertical surfaces with ease.
Growth Timeline and Lifespan
Mediterranean House Geckos display a relatively rapid development cycle. Hatchlings emerge fully independent after an incubation period of about 40 to 60 days. Under optimal conditions, young geckos can reach sexual maturity and full adult size within the first year of life, though timing varies based on location and resource availability. Growth can be indeterminate, meaning they continue to grow very slowly even after reaching maturity, though this growth is highly variable. In the wild, the average lifespan is typically 3 to 5 years due to predation and environmental pressures, but in stable captive environments, they often survive for 5 to 8 years or more.