House Gecko

Hemidactylus sp.

Description

‘House gecko’ is the common name attributed to any one of nearly 65 species of the genus Hemidactylus. Although many species have been imported and distributed under this common name, the vast majority of those found in the pet industry are H. frenatus, H. brooki, H. mabouia, H. flaviviridis and occasionally H. turcicus. House geckos are generally tan to grey in color often with subtle patterning, and many exhibit some translucence. They are generally 3.75-4.5 inches (9.5-11.5 centimeters) long and have lifespans of between 2-3 years, although longevity of up to five years has been reported.

Natural Habitat

House geckos, as the name implies, are most commonly seen in and around human settlement. This is due largely to their propensity for small insects that are often attracted by human lighting and/or food stuffs. Naturally, they tend to prefer coastal regions, but once established they migrate inland and inhabit rocky terrain, caves and cave ecotones, ruins, ravines, debris, logs, bark and virtually any habitat that provides ample climbing areas and substantial shelter/hiding places. Although most house gecko species were originally native to the Mediterranean, sub-Saharan Africa and/or Southeast Asia, they have become established virtually anywhere that weather allows.

Artificial Habitat

House geckos, like most true geckos, are most comfortable when they vertically oriented. With this in mind, an ideal house gecko habitat is taller than it is wide, and incorporates a lot of vertical surface area (branches, trunks, corkbark, block, etc.). The substrate is inconsequential, as healthy house geckos will only use it to get from one side of the enclosure (or one vertically oriented piece of décor) to the other, and only then as a last resort. House geckos are incredibly tolerant of a wide range of temperatures, but tend to prefer those that mimic a Mediterranean climate (65-85 degrees Fahrenheit averages). Plants can be used for aesthetic reasons, but when given the choice, house geckos seem to gravitate more towards processed plant and construction materials (plywood, siding, adobe, stucco, brick/block). Because they are nocturnal, UV lighting is not required.

Diet

House geckos, as their wide range and adaptability would suggest, are opportunistic feeders, with their diet mainly consisting of small insects, with a particular propensity for flying insects. Moths, mosquitoes and small flies seem to be particular favorites. Insects that are capable of scaling vertical walls (like some roach species) are also relished. Their captive diet can include almost any small insects (but not fireflies or contaminated insects—be sure you know what your feeder insects are feeding on; many plants can be toxic), but, as always they should be supplemented with an appropriate vitamin and mineral dust. Water should be provided by periodic misting of the enclosure. Thirst is quenched by the licking of water droplets, not by the lapping of water from a water bowl.

Caveats

House geckos are fast and can escape through very small openings. Care should be taken to ensure that their enclosure is escape-proof, and feedings/cleanings are best attempted by more than one person. Male and female house geckos also periodically vocalize: males’ calls are similar to a bark whereas females’ calls have been likened to a chirp. While these calls are seldom irritating or persistant, they can be startling if they are not expected.

Additional Information

House geckos are an inexpensive and entertaining addition to anyone’s herp collection. They are active, seemingly personable and readily adapt to captivity (in the wild they often live in close proximity to humans anyway). House geckos also lend themselves well to multi-species vivariums, happily occupying the walls and ceilings of an enclosure.