Many people view Mediterranean house geckos as pests, but they’re actually harmless animals that have successfully adapted to living in urban landscapes and providing valuable pest control. Plus they help control insect populations too!
Respiratory infections in gecko enclosures may arise when their diet or temperature and humidity conditions are insufficient, leading to lethargy, loss of appetite and open-mouth breathing. This could result in lethargy as well as open-mouth breathing from their enclosure.
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Food
Due to their ability to thrive in urban environments, Mediterranean geckos have established large breeding populations throughout the Southern United States. They can frequently be found living close to human structures and can often be seen walking about at night near houses and apartments.
Wild Mediterranean geckos are true insectivores and don’t touch plant-based foods; in captivity it is recommended that their diet include crickets, roaches, mealworms and waxworms for optimal nutrition. Gut loading the insects before giving them to your gecko can also provide extra benefits!
Old World lizards typically possess light-colored skin with bumps. They feature granular dorsal scales and keeled dorsal tubercles; females begin laying eggs between April and May; a clutch can contain up to four eggs.
Habitat
Mediterranean house geckos are native to countries that border the Mediterranean Sea such as Cyprus, Turkey and Spain. These geckos help control insect populations in Eastern Mediterranean nations like Cyprus, Turkey and Spain and it is considered rude to harm or hurt one. These geckos were first introduced into Florida in 1915 as an introduced species but have since become an invasive species in both states – they’re highly adaptable and hardy reptiles perfect for beginners!
Geckos are insectivores that feed on insects by slowly approaching their prey before jabbing their head forward to catch it. In nature they eat an array of insects such as crickets, cockroaches and worms. You should feed your gecko three to four times weekly with supplements containing calcium but no phosphorus, while gut-loading any insects they consume prior to giving as food for your pet.
These lizards tend to be nocturnal and require high levels of humidity; misting should occur several times daily for them.
Lighting
Mediterranean house geckos can often be seen scurrying around homes and apartments during evening hours. As predatory predators that feed on both plants and animals, Mediterranean house geckos breed quickly while their sticky toes enable them to stick onto surfaces easily. Their role in controlling insect populations makes them taboo to hurt. Their purplish to tan skin has dark spots while their lidless eyes and translucent bellies provide natural defenses from predators.
Night-active fish require only limited illumination. Instead, a heat lamp and cool spot should suffice – moving between them depending on their body temperature. Keep a thermometer and hygrometer handy in their tank to monitor their temperatures.
Geckos have an average lifespan of nine years, are highly adaptable, and thrive in various habitats. First introduced into North America in 1915, these geckos have since been seen throughout Florida where they thrive as an invasive species that may prove difficult to eradicate.
Water
The Mediterranean gecko has proven itself capable of adapting and flourishing as an invasive species thousands of miles away from its native home, yet they’re still fragile creatures that require proper care and feedings three or four times per week with insects no larger than its head.
These nocturnal lizards are masters of hiding during the day and emerging at night to hunt insects for dinner. In nature, these lizards typically prey upon pillbugs, crickets, and other small invertebrates before ambushing it by slowly creeping closer before pouncing and squeezing before devouring its meal.
Due to their adaptability, these lizards make excellent pets in both homes and apartments. You should start handling them early on so they become familiar with your hands; short sessions should suffice until they settle into life as an animal in its new environment.
