The moon lizard is a global traveler hiding in your home's unseen cracks

Nature · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: The Mediterranean house gecko is one of the world's most successful invasive reptiles. Often called the moon lizard for its nocturnal habits, this small, translucent creature has spread from the Mediterranean to nearly every corner of the globe, thriving in human environments by exploiting our buildings and outdoor lighting.

The Mediterranean house gecko, Hemidactylus turcicus, is a master of urban adaptation. While native to the Mediterranean region, it has established stable populations across South America, the Caribbean, and much of the United States. Its success is largely attributed to its ability to live alongside humans, often nesting in attics, trash piles, or behind baseboards. Unlike many other reptiles, these geckos appear highly resistant to pesticides, allowing them to flourish in suburban areas where they hunt insects near outdoor lights.

These geckos are strictly nocturnal, with peak activity often occurring around 02:00. They are visual hunters, feeding on a diverse diet that includes moths, cockroaches, spiders, and even crickets. Their hunting strategy is opportunistic; they often intercept female crickets drawn to the calls of males. Despite their small size—rarely exceeding 15 cm—they are territorial and vocal, emitting high-pitched squeaks. This aggression extends to their own kind, as adults have been observed biting juveniles, and there is no evidence of parental care.

Reproduction is a sophisticated process for this species. Females can store sperm in a specialized organ called the infundibulum for up to five months, allowing for delayed fertilization. The breeding season typically runs from April to August, with eggs laid in clutches of two. While their impact on native wildlife remains unknown, their proliferation is undeniable. In some Eastern Mediterranean cultures, such as in Greece and Turkey, they are considered benign and are even kept as household pets, reflecting a long history of coexistence that continues as they expand their range across the world.

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