Mediterranean house gecko

The Mediterranean house gecko (Hemidactylus turcicus) (not to be confused with the Asian species Hemidactylus frenatus known as common house gecko) is a small gecko common to the Mediterranean which has spread to many parts of the world. It is commonly referred to as the Turkish gecko[2] as represented in its Latin name and also as the "Moon Lizard" because it emerges in the evening[citation needed]. A study in Portugal found H. turcicus to be totally nocturnal, with the highest activity peak around 2am.[3] They are insectivorous, rarely exceeding 15 centimetres (5.9 in) in length, have large, lidless eyes with elliptical pupils, and purple - or tan-colored skin with black spots, often with stripes on the tail. Their bellies or undersides are somewhat translucent. In countries where the species has been introduced, they are not considered invasive due to their habits and small size; they rarely threaten populations of native animals.[citation needed]
In many parts of the world the range of H. turcicus is increasing,[2] and unlike many other reptiles, they appear to be highly resistant to pesticides. The increase may be explained as a consequence of having few predators in places where they have been introduced, and also of their tendency to take shelter in the cracks and unseen areas of human homes, for example inside walls. Reliance on human habitation has thus contributed to their proliferation, similar to rodents. In some Eastern Mediterranean countries such as Turkey and Cyprus it is a taboo to harm them due to their benignant nature and they are often kept as house pets.
Category:Animals
Category:Creatures
Category:Geckos
Category:Lizards
Category:Reptiles