House Gecko (Mediterranean Gecko)
This page is educational reference material for preparing questions. A licensed veterinarian examines the animal, makes the diagnosis, and sets the treatment.
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Hemidactylus turcicus / H. frenatus |
| Origin | Mediterranean / Southeast Asia |
| Size | 3-5 inches (7-13 cm) |
| Lifespan | 5-10 years |
| Temperature | 75-85°F (24-29°C) |
| Humidity | 50-70% |
| Enclosure | 10-20 gallon (vertical setup) |
| Care Level | Beginner |
| Diet | Insectivore |
| Temperament | Shy, fast, nocturnal |
Recommended for House Geckos
Affiliate links may earn a commission. Affiliate disclosure.
Josh's Frogs - Feeder insects & supplies | Reptile Supply - Enclosures | Chewy - Reptile supplies
Two geckos, one common name
House gecko here covers the Mediterranean house gecko, Hemidactylus turcicus, and the common house gecko, Hemidactylus frenatus. Adults are about 3 to 5 inches. They can live 5 to 10 years, care is beginner, and they are shy, fast, and nocturnal. They stick to glass, hunt insects at night, and have spread with people around the world. A pet tank should not become the way they spread further. Do not release them.
A vertical 10 to 20 gallon tank at 75 to 85°F, with humidity of 50 to 70 percent, is enough to start. They do not need a desert bake. They need cover, a tight lid, and calcium-dusted insects. A small water dish and a light mist give them something to drink. UVB is less critical than for a day gecko and still reasonable at a low level. Nighttime heat should not come from a bright white lamp that ruins the hunt.
Watch them after the lights go down
Handling is how you lose the tail or the gecko. Feed at dusk. Several females may share a large tank. Two males usually fight. Eggs get glued into crevices. Check before you throw away cork bark. Wild-caught groups arrive with parasites. Captive-bred is kinder if you can find it.
A gecko that sits on the floor in daylight and ignores crickets is sick or cold. Start with the not-eating page and a clinic from ARAV.
House gecko questions
Which house gecko is this?
Two species share this page: the Mediterranean house gecko, Hemidactylus turcicus, and the common house gecko, H. frenatus. Both are small nocturnal insect eaters. Confirm which one is in the cup.
Do they chirp?
Yes. Both species make small calls, mostly at night. The sound is normal. A gecko that is silent, thin, and stuck on the floor is the one to check.
Can children hold them?
They are shy and fast, and the tail drops if they are grabbed. The honest use is a vertical tank you watch after dark.
Decision Guides for House Gecko (Mediterranean Gecko)
Use these only when comparing food, insurance, ownership budget, or beginner fit for this specific pet.