Moorish geckos are native to the Mediterranean and North Africa, but have been introduced to the Americas and Asia. They are nocturnal, but may bask in the sun, have robust, flattened bodies with rough skin, and use adhesive toe pads to climb walls and other vertical surfaces. They eat insects and other invertebrates and can change the intensity of their color to adapt to their environment, being darker in daylight and paler at night.
Appearance and physical characteristics
Size: Adults can grow up to 15 cm (6.25 inches) in length, including the tail.
Color: Their color varies from brownish-grey to brown, with darker or lighter spots for camouflage. Color intensity can change based on light levels.
Skin: They have a robust, flattened body covered in prominent, conical tubercles (warts) that give them a rough, spiny appearance.
Head: The head is flat with a broad, obtuse mouth and large eyes with vertical pupils and no eyelids.
Feet: Their fingers have adhesive pads, which allow them to climb vertical surfaces like walls and glass.
Tail: The tail can break off to escape predators and regenerates, but the new tail lacks tubercles.
Habitat and behavior
Native range: They are found in the Mediterranean coastal areas of Europe and North Africa, including countries like Spain, France, and Morocco.
Introduced range: They have been introduced to other parts of the world, including the United States (California, Florida) and South America.
Preferred environment: They thrive in both natural rocky areas and human-modified habitats, such as buildings, stone walls, and ruins.
Activity: They are primarily nocturnal but may also be active during the day, especially when basking in the sun.
Vocalization: Males make squeaking sounds to defend their territory.
Diet
Carnivorous: They are carnivores that primarily eat insects and other small invertebrates.
Opportunistic feeding: They often congregate near lights to hunt insects that are attracted to the light.
