Edition 2026-10-05

Geckos intercept female crickets using male calls

These predators exploit the mating habits of the decorated cricket by listening for male calls to locate and eat the attracted females. This strategy allows them to hunt prey that is otherwise hidden.

Mediterranean House GeckoSquamataUniversity campuses, cemeteries, coastal regions, shrublands, mountain cliffs, caves, and human dwellings.1 source

The Mediterranean house gecko is a voracious predator of small roaches and moths. It also targets the decorated cricket (Gryllodes supplicans) using a specialized hunting strategy.

The gecko is attracted by the call of the male cricket. While the males usually remain safely out of reach in a burrow, the gecko waits for the female's arrival.

Female crickets are drawn to the male's call. The gecko intercepts and eats these females as they approach the male's burrow, exploiting the cricket's own mating habits.

Sources behind this fact

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unknown
Mediterranean house gecko
Wikipedia · reference work
Where: Mediterranean house gecko
Quote: "They are also attracted by the call of a male decorated cricket (Gryllodes supplicans); although the males are usually safely out of reach in a burrow, female crickets attracted to the male's call can be intercepted and eaten."
Accessed October 5, 2026 · automated link check pending
unknown
Mediterranean house gecko
Wikipedia · reference work
Where: Mediterranean house gecko
Quote: "They are voracious predators of moths and small roaches and are attracted to outdoor lights in search of these prey."
Accessed October 5, 2026 · automated link check pending