Mediterranean geckos make excellent pets, but it is essential to provide them with a secure and safe environment.
Nocturnal creatures, they seek refuge under rocks, wood, planters, palm fronds and stacks of roofing tin and cardboard.
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Insects
Insects are one of the world’s most diverse animal groups. As one of Earth’s most ubiquitous creatures, they have evolved to do things such as feed, move, mate, and survive in various climates.
To survive, spiders require segmented bodies supported by an outer exoskeleton known as an integument. This structure also houses sensory antennae, eyes and mouth parts for feeding purposes.
Mediterranean geckos, native to the Mediterranean region, have become invasive in many places around the world – including Texas. Since they feed at night on insects, providing them with protein-rich foods is key for keeping them healthy.
Seeds
Many plants originate from seeds that are dispersed by animals, the wind, water and even some humans. Seeds provide sustenance for dispersers like birds, mammals and bats who carry them far away from their parent plant.
Seeds can range in texture from corn or sunflower to hard, and some even feature a protective coat to shield them from weather conditions. To germinate successfully, seeds need the ideal combination of water, oxygen and temperature to germinate successfully.
Geckos are true insectivores, feeding solely on insects as their primary food source. When kept in captivity, Mediterranean geckos can be fed a variety of insect-based reptile foods such as mealworms or crickets for their primary nutrition.
Fruits
Fruit is an ideal substitute for insect-based food for geckos as it’s convenient and easy to prepare. Plus, fruit contains essential nutrients that keep your pet contented and healthy.
Mediterranean house geckos are carnivorous, eating a variety of small insects such as crickets, worms and roaches. Feed them three to four times a week with prey that’s small enough for them to chew and swallow easily.
Fruits not only taste delicious, but they contain vitamin A which supports a healthy immune system in reptiles. Furthermore, fruits provide calcium and phosphorus essential for strong bones – however too much of either may lead to metabolic bone disease, so be mindful what fruits you offer your gecko.
Vegetables
Vegetables are an integral part of many diets around the world, providing essential fiber, vitamins, and minerals recommended by many nutritionists.
Vegetarian foods are a great source of protein and dietary fiber. Studies have even found that those who consume five or more servings of vegetables daily have a lower risk for cardiovascular disease and certain cancers, according to one recent study.
Mediterranean house geckos are insectivores, feeding on insects such as worms, roaches, crickets, small butterflies, termites, spiders and some types of beetles. When feeding them make sure the insects do not exceed the width of their head.
These geckos are hardy creatures and thrive in captivity, though they can still be vulnerable to common lizard illnesses such as respiratory infections from inadequate temperature and humidity levels in their cage. Furthermore, they may experience lethargy or vomiting due to these same causes.
Nuts
World-wide, a wide array of nuts can be found, such as chestnuts, hazelnuts, pecans and walnuts. Botany defines a nut as an edible dry fruit with one seed enclosed within either a leathery or hard shell and protective husk.
Nuts are an excellent source of protein and fiber as well as being high in many essential nutrients. Not only that, but they contain high amounts of dietary fat but also vitamin E, folate, magnesium, copper, iron, selenium, phosphorus, calcium and zinc.
Studies have demonstrated that a diet high in nuts is linked to lower risks of coronary heart disease, diabetes and gallstones for both men and women. Furthermore, there is growing evidence that eating nuts may have beneficial effects on other cardiovascular risk factors like hypertension, oxidative stress and inflammation.
