Geckos are small to average sized lizards
with flattened bodies and short limbs belonging to the family
Gekkonidae which are found in warm climates throughout the world.
Geckos are known for their vocalizations, from chirping sounds
in social interactions with other geckos to barks. There are
at least 2,000 different species of geckos worldwide.
The
name gecko comes from the Indonesian/Javanese word gekok. This
gecko's vocalizations sound like its name.
All geckos, excluding the Eublepharinae
family, have no eyelids and instead have a transparent membrane
called the spectacle, which they lick to clean. The American
genus Coleonyx is an exception; it has eyelids. Gecko species
that are active day and night have round pupils; nocturnal species
have elliptical pupils.
Geckos have several defensive maneuvers,
some will expel a foul-smelling material and feces onto their
aggressors. Others will drop their tails in defense, a process
called autotomy (self amputation). The tails are regenerated.
Several species of geckos make their home inside human habitations.
These species are welcome and become family pets because they
feed on insects (pests).
Geckos come in a variety of colors and
patterns. Some species can change color to blend in with their
environment or with temperature differences. Some species are
parthenogenic, the females do not need a male to
reproduce. This improves the gecko's ability survive and to spread
to new locations.
In addition to claws, many species have
specialized tow pads that enable them to climb smooth and vertical
surfaces. On the bottom of each toe pad are scales covered with
a myriad of microscopic hairlike bristles. Minute suction cups
on the tips of the bristles permit geckos to walk up walls and
across ceilings.
The family Gekkonidae is divided into five
subfamilies, containing numerous genera of gecko species. Many
geckos are kept as pets and will eat various kinds of insects
and sometimes fruit. Not all species of geckos change their sexes
in different seasons. Geckos are found throughout the tropics.
Most geckos lay two eggs at a time; Sphaerodactylus
and Gonatodes lay only single eggs. Geckos lay their eggs on
the ground or in crevices and can attach them to walls and under
leaves. When born the young shed their skin and then eat it.
