Mediterranean House Gecko - Nevada Department of Wildlife

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Hemidactylus turcicus
CLASSIFICATION: Reptile
LIFE SPAN: 3-8 Years
STATE CONSERVATION STATUS: Unprotected
FEDERAL CONSERVATION STATUS: Least Concern
GAME STATUS: Non-Game
GAME TYPE: None

Small, tan, spotted lizard resting on a rock.

Small, tan, spotted lizard resting on sandy ground.

Small lizard missing it's tail which is resting right next to it.

Washoe
Humboldt
Pershing
Churchill
Mineral
Lyon
Douglas
Carson City
Storey

Elko
Lander
Eureka
White Pine

Esmeralda
Nye
Lincoln
Clark

Habitat & Range

Native to the Mediterranean region, this species has been introduced by humans, both intentionally and accidentally, and now thrives in warm regions across the globe. In Nevada, Mediterranean House Geckos are well established in the southern part of the state, especially in urban and suburban areas where water, shelter, and insects are easy to find.

Developed Landscapes

This species is closely tied to human habitats where conditions stay warm and stable throughout the year. Mediterranean House Geckos are nocturnal and are most often seen at night on buildings, window screens, or sidewalks near lights, where they hunt easy prey such as moths, crickets, cockroaches, and spiders. During the day, they hide in cracks, crevices, or under tree bark.

The breeding season lasts about four to five months. Females lay two eggs per clutch and can produce several clutches in a year. Eggs are often laid in communal nests that may be shared by many females.

Unlike most reptiles, Mediterranean House Geckos can vocalize. Their chirps and clicks are used to communicate with other geckos, settle territorial disputes, and warn potential threats.

Fun Facts

Mediterranean House Geckos have sticky toe pads with specialized scales called lamellae, which allow them to climb smooth, vertical surfaces. This adaptation helps them escape predators and reach food in human-dominated habitats. Like many geckos, they can drop their tails when threatened, a defense called autotomy. The wriggling tail distracts predators while the gecko makes its escape. Over time, the tail will regrow, though it usually looks and feels different from the original.