Tropical house gecko
A species of House geckos, Also known as Cosmopolitan house gecko, Wood slave gecko Scientific name : Hemidactylus mabouia Genus : House geckos
Tropical house gecko, A species of House geckos
Also known as:
Cosmopolitan house gecko, Wood slave gecko
Scientific name: Hemidactylus mabouia
Genus: House geckos
Content
Description General Info
Photo By kuchipatchis , used under CC0-1.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
The tropical house gecko, Afro-American house gecko or cosmopolitan house gecko (Hemidactylus mabouia) is a species of house gecko native to sub-Saharan Africa. It is also currently found in North, Central and South America and the Caribbean, where it has been inadvertently introduced by humans.
General Info
Lifespan
5-10 years
Diet
Tropical house gecko is an insectivorous species primarily preferring arthropods. It feeds substantially on beetles, spiders, and cockroaches. The species also consumes termites and ants, showcasing adaptability in food selection.
Appearance
Tropical house gecko is a small, nocturnal gecko with a flattened body. It has smooth to slightly granular skin, which varies from greyish to brown, allowing it to blend with its surroundings. Notable features include large, lidless eyes with vertical pupils and a long, slender tail, which can regenerate if lost. Sexual dimorphism is minimal, with males having larger heads and bodies than females. Juveniles resemble adults but are more vibrant in color.
Behavior
Tropical house gecko is a nocturnally active, primarily insectivorous reptile. Exhibiting a solitary territorial nature, it aggressively defends its grounds by vocalizing and posturing, and even combat in some instances. Its gecko-like body adapts to vertical wall climbing, aiding in hunting and habitat exploration. Tropical house gecko also exhibits autotomy, a survival mechanism to escape predators by dropping its tail.
Population
Stable
Photo By kuchipatchis , used under CC0-1.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Common geckos Genus
House geckos Species
Tropical house gecko