Geckos - Wall-Climbing Lizards!

Ranked #990 in Pets & Animals, #27,288 overall

Geckos--Lizards that can walk up the walls--up glass windows and across the ceiling, as well!

Found in warm climates throughout the world (mostly the tropics--but also in desert areas in California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas), geckos are amazing critters! Belonging to the family Gekkonidae, they have specialized toe pads that enable them to run across walls, across ceilings, and even on glass windows.


Madagascar Day Gecko

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But that's not all the amazing things that geckos can do... 

Unlike most other lizards that can only hiss (monitors and crocodilians can also make a variety of noises), geckos can vocalize--making chirping sounds in social interactions with other geckos. Their name is derived from the Malay word, gekoq--which imitates their cry.

They can also lick their eyes with their tongue--they have no eyelids--and instead have a transparent membrane that covers their eye, which they lick to clean.

If you try to catch one and grab only their tail, the tail pops off and wiggles to distract you with the grossness while the gecko safely takes off and hides.

This is one of the ways they keep predators from getting the whole meal--better to lose the tail rather than lose the whole life. Not to worry, however--the tail eventually grows back so it can do this again.

Another way some species try to discourage predators is that they discharge a foul-smelling material and feces onto their molestors.

Also... some species are parthenogenic--the females can lay fertile eggs even without having to mate with a male. This improves the gecko's ability to spread to the scattered islands of the Pacific and Atlantic and to other isolated geographic areas. (This characteristic is also shared by the monitors.)

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.

 

In Hawaii, Geckos Are Everywhere. They Even Have Their Own Store!

In Hawaii, Geckos Are Everywhere. They Even Have Their Own Store! 

Geckos among us...

Geckos are well-known to people who live in warm regions of the world where several species of geckos can make their home inside human dwellings. These species (for example the house gecko) become part of the indoor menagerie and are rarely discouraged because the geckos feed on insect pests such as mosquitos, cockroaches, ants, and moths.
A Madagascar Day Gecko Feeds on a Spider


Toft, Roy
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Geckos have various colors and patterns. Some are subtly patterned, and somewhat rubbery looking, some are camouflaged to blend in with foilage and dried leaves, while others can be brightly colored. Some species can change color to blend in with their surroundings or with temperature differences.

Close-Up of Tokay Gecko Showing Ability to Walk on Glass

Gekko gecko
by redzazel | video info

72 ratings | 61,301 views
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The Noisy Geckos of the Tropics!

Gecko on House Wall at Mid-Day, Dau, Mabalacat, Pampanga Province, Philippines

Gecko on House Wall at Mid-Day, Dau, Mabalacat, Pampanga Province, PhilippinesWe just got back from a long vacation in Hong Kong and the Philippines--where we were serenaded each night by the chirping of these little guys as they scampered around the ceilings and upper walls of where we were staying.

And my wife and daughter thought I was going absolutely nuts when I was chasing geckos up and down the halls with my camera. The geckos weren't on the floor, however--they were either zipping along high on the wall or scrambling across the ceiling. This fellow was on the outside wall of a house during mid-day--going after miscellaneous ants and other bugs it might get lucky enough to eat.
Another View - Gecko Chasing Bugs on a Wall, Dau, Mabalacat, Pampanga Province, Philippines

Another View - Gecko Chasing Bugs on a Wall, Dau, Mabalacat, Pampanga Province, Philippines 

Geckos on the Ceiling! Geckos on the Windows! Geckos on Your T-Shirts! Geckos on Everything!

Did you know? If you can't find what you're looking for here, just click on one of the items below and then, once their webpage displays, enter some keywords in the search-box that further define the item. Chances are good that the special thing you've always wanted will appear on the screen (or perhaps a good selection of things that come close!).

Geckos Unltd Wall Calendar (2010 Contest Photos)

This calendar has been produced by members of GeckosUnlimited.com community. All photos provided by GU members. All proceeds go towards supporting GU. Get Yours Today! and help GU grow.

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Gecko Southwest 2.25" Button

A green speckled gecko crawls across a rainbow colored southwest fabric design. Perfect fun tee or decorative item all occasion gift for a friend, family member or co-worker.

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Funky Gecko Oval Sticker

Funky Gecko with a colorful psychedelic rainbow design looks cool on t-shirts & gifts! Perfect for kids tees & baby onesies! Gotta love the gecko!

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Gecko Visits North Pole Oval Ornament

Gecko Christmas design featuting small Gecko in a Santa Hat while visiting the North Pole.

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These two should have talked with the Geiko Gecko first!

Shera
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1,079 ratings | 596,149 views
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Geckos on Everything--Again!

Did you know? If you can't find what you're looking for here, just click on one of the items below and then, once their webpage displays, enter some keywords in the search-box that further define the item. Chances are good that the special thing you've always wanted will appear on the screen (or perhaps a good selection of things that come close!).
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Fun With Sticky Paws!

In some tropical Asian areas, young boys have been known to tie a string around the waist of a gecko... and then the boys wait on a bridge over a walkway lower the gecko onto the hats of passersby.


Close-up of the Toe-Pads of a Tokay Gecko
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When the gecko reaches the hat, it latches on with its sticky paws... and the boys can easily (with the help of the gecko, of course) lift off the hat. It makes a great prank... (and you can collect a lot of hats this way).

Gecko Peeking Out From Under Floorboards in Beachside Restaurant - Boracay Island, Philippines

Gecko Peeking Out From Under Floorboards in Beachside Restaurant - Boracay Island, Philippines 

Crumb Snatchers and Bug Zappers... Philippine Style - Boracay Island, Aklan Province

Gecko Chasing Bugs and Snatching Crumbs, Restaurant, Boracay Island, Aklan Province, PhilippinesWe were enjoying a nice meal at a restaurant along Boracay Island's White Beach--and I caught a glimpse of something grey streaking across the floor. Hey, we're in an "open-air" restaurant. We're in the tropics. We're next to the beach. So, I had all sorts of ideas of what I might have seen.

As I looked across the table at the floor beyond, I saw a little head poke up through the floor boards. It was a lizard. On a closer look, I saw that it was a gecko.

I pulled out my camera and got a shot of it as it remained there with its head poking above the floorboards.

Then, the gecko hopped out, and started scampering across the floor toward us--it wasn't afraid of us. And it seemed intent on grabbing any of the crumbs we were dropping. Or, was it going after the ants that were attracted to the crumbs? I'm not sure, I didn't think to ask it. But it was fun watching it scrambling all over the floor.

My wife and daughter were not similarly amused, however. (Hey, I had fun--and got lots of pictures!)

Hugable Geckos!

Get Your Sticky Paws on These Buddies!

Webkinz Plush Stuffed Animal Leopard Lizard

Webkinz Plush Stuffed Animal Leopard Lizard

Leopard Lizard Webkinz By Ganz1 point

Gecko

Gecko

Years before the gecko became synonymous with car more...1 point

Gecko Animal Puppet (P8203)

Gecko Animal Puppet (P8203)

These realistic Full-Body animal puppets are exqui more...1 point

TY Beanie Baby - GUS the Gecko

TY Beanie Baby - GUS the Gecko

TY Beanie Baby - GUS the Gecko1 point

Gecko Running Chasing Crumbs on Beachside Restaurant Floorboards, Boracay Island, Philippines

Gecko Running Chasing Crumbs on Beachside Restaurant Floorboards, Boracay Island, Philippines 

Kauai Gecko Store Banner

How Geckos In Hawaii (and Kauai) Check Out Their Stores! 

Gecko Info Please? Get Your Sticky Paws on This Stuff!

Global Gecko Association
The Global Gecko Association (GGA) is dedicated to gecko enthusiasts worldwide. Membership is open to anyone with an interest in gekkonids, from the professional herpetologist to the hobbyist.
Leaping Lizards! Gecko Site!
Greg and Leann's Leaping Lizards Day Geckos Site is a fun site that has pictures of Geckos and also provides care and feeding instructions for pet geckos. Cool website!
'Gecko Vision': Key To Future Multifocal Contact Lens?
Geckos are among the very few creatures that can see colors at night. Scientists are studying this aspect of their amazing vision to develop multifocal contact lenses. (Yeah, but let's see you clean them while they are on your eyes... with your tongue!)
Gekkards! Amazing and Beautiful Gecko Images in Paintings!
This website shows geckos as most have never seen them. In card games, wrestling alligators, in cubicle farms, and even at balloon festivals. Check out these cool decorations --that would make a nice addition to your home, your den, your office, or your cubicle!

Geckos... Not Only in Tropical Asia, but Also in the Deserts of China, Africa, Australia, and the Americas!

These little guys get around!

The American Indians (Native Americans) have included geckos in their legends and paintings.


Painted Gecko Lizard on Wall, Tucson, Arizona, USA


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In their artwork and crafts, the Native Americans of the desert Southwest (Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, and southern California) have depicted the gecko in the same petroglyphs and on the same jewelry and pottery as their famous flute-player, the Kokopelli.

Get Your Sticky Paws on Some Good Reading!

Geckos (Complete Pet Owner's Manual) by R.D. Bartlett, Patricia Bartlett

Geckos (Complete Pet Owner's Manual) by R.D. Bartlett, Patricia Bartlett

Terrarium hobbyists will find expert advice on purchasing more...1 point

The Gecko: An Owner's Guide to a Happy Healthy Pet by Audrey Pavia

The Gecko: An Owner's Guide to a Happy Healthy Pet by Audrey Pavia

The lizard craze is undeniable, and the small, fri more...1 point

The Herpetoculture of Leopard Geckos by Philippe de Vosjoli, Ron Tremper, Roger Klingenberg

The Herpetoculture of Leopard Geckos by Philippe de Vosjoli, Ron Tremper, Roger Klingenberg

Finally a more advanced book on the most popular p more...1 point

Leopard Geckos For Dummies (For Dummies (Pets)) by Liz Palika

Leopard Geckos For Dummies (For Dummies (Pets)) by Liz Palika

Get your one-stop guide for understanding and raising more...1 point

Leopard Gecko in Captivity (Professional Breeders Series) by Robbie Hamper

Leopard Gecko in Captivity (Professional Breeders Series) by Robbie Hamper

For those thinking of keeping the interesting and more...1 point

Let's Take Care of Our New Leopard Gecko by Alejandro Algarra

Let's Take Care of Our New Leopard Gecko by Alejandro Algarra

Titles in the Let's Take Care of ... color-illustrated more...1 point

Get Your Sticky Paws on Some of these Gecko Goodies!

Gecko Lizard Rectangle Magnet

Gecko Lizard

Rectangle Magnet

Price: ' Buy Now

Gecko Lizard Postcards (Package of 8)

Gecko Lizard

Postcards (Package of 8)

Price: ' Buy Now

Gecko Lizard Note Cards (Pk of 10)

Gecko Lizard

Note Cards (Pk of 10)

Price: ' Buy Now

Gecko Lizard Mousepad

Gecko Lizard

Mousepad

Price: ' Buy Now

Gecko Lizard Large Framed Print

Gecko Lizard

Large Framed Print

Price: ' Buy Now

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You Would Like a Gecko on Your Wall, But Would Prefer to Not See Him Crawling? 

Then get this critter!

Tropical Green Gecko Lizard Metal Art Wall Decor

Amazon Price: $9.80 (as of 02/17/2012)Buy Now

This wall ornament won't eat your bugs, but also won't leave little presents in your silverware drawer! A little artistic critter to add humor and tropical flair to your home, office, or cubicle!

Read Up on Gecko Maintenance!  

Geckos (Barron's Complete Pet Owner's Manuals)

Amazon Price: $0.50 (as of 02/17/2012)Buy Now

This fascinating book provides illustrations and narratives that will surprise you with interesting facts! Particularly helpful if you plan on having a gecko for a pet!

If You Want to Be a Gecko for Your Next Costume Party, Get Your Sticky Paws on This! 

Adult Gecko Costume

Amazon Price: $38.65 (as of 02/17/2012)Buy Now

This costume could make you a hit at the next Halloween or general costume party!