Many geckos can be found on Mallorca. There are several species of them and they have adapted perfectly to their colourful surroundings.
The wall gecko on Mallorca
Wall geckos can grow up to 16 cm long and are usually greyish-brown in colour. The animals are nocturnal and hunt for food during this time. During the day they can also be seen sunbathing on walls or scurrying over rocks and crevices. Insects of all kinds are on the gecko’s menu, but smaller lizards or even their own offspring are also eaten if necessary. Due to special adhesive structures on the soles of their feet, they can also find a foothold on smooth surfaces such as glass and climb along. They also do not shy away from human settlements, as they find plenty of food in the brickwork of houses.
Geckos as subtenants
As roommates, geckos are not liked by everyone. Yet they are peaceful, harmless and really useful. They clean the property of unwanted insects such as beetles, spiders, moths, small cockroaches or even mosquitoes. Geckos are not aggressive and are very shy. If you get too close to them, they disappear in a flash into the next hiding place. However, you should not touch the animals. Their bites are not painful, but you would certainly get a fright.
The animal symbol of Mallorca
The Mallorcans have a special appreciation for geckos and their usefulness, because a gecko in the house is supposed to bring you luck in life. They are therefore a kind of animal symbol of Mallorca and can be found on all kinds of souvenirs, such as mugs, decorative items, towels, jewellery, blankets, etc.
Keep an eye out for them on your next visit to Mallorca!