The gecko or Tarentola mauritanica is perhaps the most famous reptile in the entire Mediterranean, but it is also a common visitor that you can find in your house by walking on the walls and making you jump in fright due to its slippery movements.
As it happens with other reptiles, myths and beliefs have been formed around the gecko about its possible behaviors and characteristics. Do you want to know if the gecko is poisonous? Then you can't miss this article on our site!
Characteristics of the Gecko
Many things have been said about Tarentola mauritanica. Some claim that it has a strong bite, others claim that it is capable of singing, and there are those who maintain that its venom is lethal to humans. It is common to find the gecko inside houses, crawling along the walls, but it also lives in gardens, under rocks, and almost anywhere imaginable.
It is a nocturnal animal that likes to approach headlights, patio lights and almost any light source that attracts different types of insects, such as mosquitoes. Why? These insects are the food of the gecko. It can eat not only mosquitoes, but also spiders, crickets, dragonflies, among others because it is a carnivorous animal.
Its life expectancy is 5 years in its natural habitat, but it can reach up to 12 years in captivity The gecko is very good climber because it has pads on its feet that allow it to walk on many types of surfaces, even those that are completely vertical or that involve moving face down It is oviparous, so it lays eggs to reproduce, which are almost circular in shape.
Also, it's very small, because the maximum it can measure in its life is a mere 15 centimeters. Despite its small size, there are those who feel intimidated by it and say that the gecko is a poisonous animal. After all, some mechanism must be used to defend itself from its predators! There is even a belief that its poison is lethal. Do you want to know if this is true? Then read on!
Is the gecko dangerous?
In answer to this question, many people will be relieved to learn that the gecko is not a poisonous animal And this is not because its venom is not very dangerous for humans, but because this small reptile does not have any type of substance in its body that it can use as a defense mechanism.
Also, humans are not in any kind of danger if we come across this species, as it will never try to attack a person, but will flee. So the rumors that ensure that it is capable of entering the body's orifices, such as the nose, ears, among others, are also false.
Other myths about the gecko
Are you afraid that the gecko will torment you with its sounds? Well, the truth is that cannot sing, much less do they have healing qualities capable of healing diseases. Has anyone told you that your hair will fall out or that you will go blind if he spits on you? The gecko doesn't even behave this way.
All these situations that we have mentioned are different myths and beliefs which, incredible as it may seem, still surround this little reptile. There is a certain air around the gecko that has led to these popular beliefs being forged, especially if you take into account how silent they are and their ability to live in homes almost unnoticed. However, since they will live in your house, something you should know about them! Especially if you fear that they could be a danger to you or your family. But, in the case of the gecko, you have nothing to worry about
What to do if there is a gecko in your house?
The truth is that, if you find one at home, you don't need to chase it away, bother it, much less kill it, because it is a extremely harmless animal In case you did not know, its presence in the home is beneficial, since it helps to reduce pests that may exist, such as cockroaches or mosquitoes, by feeding on these insects. And this without causing you any inconvenience! Its presence works almost like a natural pest control, because it doesn't pollute, doesn't contain chemicals, costs you nothing, and doesn't take up space!
So, you know, if you find a gecko in the house, let it go on its way.
