David Element

Wildlife Photography

and Digital Video Images

_ Amphibians and Reptiles 30 - Moorish Geckos 1

                              MOORISH GECKO Tarentola mauretanica

                              MOORISH GECKO Tarentola mauretanica

                              MOORISH GECKO Tarentola mauretanica

• Moorish Geckos are often found inhabiting Mediterranean buildings. These rather endearing creatures are very well camouflaged against stone walls (although rather less so on painted surfaces) and they can change colour in response to alterations in ambient temperature. There are numerous small ridges underneath the feet and these allow the lizards to obtain purchase on apparently smooth surfaces. They are even able to run at speed whilst hanging upside-down precariously from ceilings. The pupils of the eyes are very responsive to bright light and these will narrow down to a slit during the process of being repeatedly photographed with flash. The second photograph was taken at the end of a nocturnal sequence, by which time a rather intriguing 'four stacked diamonds' pattern had become evident. In fact these lizards make good use of artificial lights as many insects are attracted to them. The geckos remain motionless nearby and gratefully accept this easy source of food. The first two photographs were taken in Tuscany (Toscana), Italy, and the final picture was taken using natural light (and considerable stealth) in a car park in southern France. This dinosaurial-looking (and presumably rather elderly) individual had clearly shed its tail and then re-grown it judging from the dramatic change in texture and stumpy appearance!

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-> Amphibians and Reptiles 3

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-> Amphibians and Reptiles 29

-> Amphibians and Reptiles 30

-> Amphibians and Reptiles 31

-> Amphibians and Reptiles 32

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© David Element.