Tenerife Gecko Tarentola delalandii
The Tenerife Gecko, also called the Tenerife Wall Gecko, is endemic to Tenerife and La Palma in the Canary Islands.
Although mainly nocturnal, it is often active during the day. It can be found in many habitats, including inside buildings
(usually welcomed since it is insectivorous).
The Tenerife (Wall) Gecko is a separate species from the Canary (Wall) Gecko, Tarentola angustimentalis, of the east Canary Islands.
Like many other lizards, geckos can sacrifice their tails to predators and grow another; in the case of the gecko above centre and right,
it can even grow two or a forked tail.
Geckos have special pads on their feet that work a little like suction pads enabling them to run up plate glass windows and across ceilings.
The rounded fingers and toes distinguish geckos.
The toe pads allow the gecko to climb up . . .
and to run down vertical surfaces.
The young Tenerife Gecko has a more patterned appearance than the adults. This youngster walked across the ceiling and down the wall before being
gently re-located outside. They are attracted to lights to eat mosquitos and moths.
(The Turkish Gecko, Hemidactylus turcicus, also called the Mediterranean House Gecko, has recently been introduced to Tenerife and is also patterned, but pinker, and attracted to indoors.)
(The Turkish Gecko, Hemidactylus turcicus, also called the Mediterranean House Gecko, has recently been introduced to Tenerife and is also patterned, but pinker, and attracted to indoors.)