The Moorish gecko, Tarentola mauritanica, is a reptile commonly observed in many regions. This species represents one of the most common geckos in Europe.
Identifying Moorish Geckos
Moorish geckos typically measure between 4.5 and 6 inches in total length, including their tail. Their coloration varies, appearing brownish, grey, or sandy with darker and lighter markings. The skin has a textured, granular appearance with prominent, wart-like tubercles.
A distinguishing feature is their large, bulging eyes, which possess vertical pupils and lack eyelids. Their robust body, flat head, and elongated toe pads are notable. These specialized toe pads, or lamellae, are covered in thousands of micro-hairs, allowing them to adhere to various surfaces, including glass and ceilings.
Natural Environment and Range
The Moorish gecko is native to the western Mediterranean basin, encompassing parts of Southern Europe and North Africa. This includes countries such as Portugal, Spain, Italy, France, Greece, Morocco, Algeria, Egypt, and Tunisia. They thrive in warm, dry climates and are often found at lower elevations.
These geckos inhabit diverse environments, including rocky areas, cliffs, and natural scrubland. They are also frequently found in human-modified landscapes such as ruins, stone walls, and urban environments like buildings and gardens. Beyond their native range, Moorish geckos have established populations as introduced species in areas like Florida, California, Texas, Argentina, and Uruguay, often due to accidental transport.
Daily Life and Adaptations
Moorish geckos are primarily nocturnal, becoming active after dusk. Their diet consists mainly of insects, including crickets, moths, beetles, and spiders, though they may also consume other small invertebrates. They are often observed hunting near artificial light sources at night, which attract their prey.
Their climbing ability is due to their specialized toe pads, which create a temporary molecular bond with surfaces, allowing them to scale walls and even hang upside down. Moorish geckos communicate through various vocalizations, including chirps, clicks, and squeaking sounds. Females typically lay one to two eggs per clutch, two or three times a year, in communal nests found in crevices or under stones, with eggs hatching after approximately four months. A notable defense mechanism is autotomy, where they can shed their tail when threatened, distracting a predator while the gecko escapes; the tail will regenerate, though often without the original textured scales.
Moorish Geckos and Ecosystems
Moorish geckos are insect predators within their ecosystems. In non-native regions, they are considered an introduced species. Their adaptability allows them to thrive in urban settings, making them a common sight around human dwellings where they utilize walls and buildings for shelter and hunting.
While they are established in many new areas, there is ongoing study regarding their specific impact on native species. In some introduced locations, they may prey on smaller native fauna, including frogs and other lizards. Despite facing some threats from the pet trade and habitat degradation in parts of their native range, the Moorish gecko population is currently considered stable and may even be expanding due to their capacity to coexist with human populations.