Geckos are a family of lizards classified in the order scaly. They are characterized by unique features, such as the ability to cling to surfaces and a wide range of shapes and sizes.
Gecko Coloring Book
A puzzled lizard with spots
These animals are the few that can change their colors. Of course, they don't do it when they want to but in case of danger. When they are afraid or appear...
Satisfied gecko on a stone
Geckos are very clever. They can move over almost any surface-whether it's stone, sand or a vertical tree or bush. They are trained to such...
A gecko basking on the sand
Most animals escape the heat and hide between trees and bushes. Lizards, on the other hand, are very thermophilic. They can lie for hours in the sun or on...
Lizard sticking out its tongue with flowers
They are very colorful animals. Most often they can be found in green and shades of the same color, but when you start looking you will find a variety of colors....
Lizard with a long tail
Lizards have very long and substantial tails. Sometimes these tails are longer than the rest of the animal's body length. As an interesting fact, it is worth mentioning the following.
Lizard with colorful patterns
Lizards among themselves differ not only in colors and patterns on their backs but also in their eyes, as those that live during the day have...
A lizard walking on stones
Lizards are very common in warm countries. Of course, in our country they can also be found but in terrariums with heating, because they really like heat....
Gecko with interesting patterns
In addition to unusual colors, the lizards also have interesting patterns on their backs and tails. Sometimes they are a completely different color than the rest of the scales on the skin. You know.
Gecko walking on the ground
The gecko can move brilliantly on virtually any surface. Of course, it calmly walks on the ground but also on trees, rocks and in an upright position....
Gecko in interesting patterns
Do you recognize this interesting animal? It has a body covered with a mass of scales in different colors. Yes, it is a gecko often referred to simply as a lizard. It is very agile and...
information
- Adaptations for adhesion: Most geckos have the ability to adhere to different surfaces thanks to structures called lamellae. These are microscopic structures on their fingers that create adhesion forces called the van der Waals effect.
- Size and variety: Geckos come in a wide range of sizes and shapes. Some species are small and reach only a few centimeters in length, while others, such as the giant gecko, can grow to more than half a meter.
- Indigenous environments: Geckos are found all over the world, but are especially common in tropical and subtropical areas. They are found in a wide variety of habitats, from rainforests to deserts and rocky areas.
- Nocturnal activity: Most geckos are active at night (they are nocturnal), although there are also species that are active during the day. Their nocturnal activity is often related to their ability to cling to surfaces, making it easier for them to move through trees and rocks in search of food.
- Diet: The diet of geckos varies and depends on the species and environment. Most geckos are insectivorous and feed on insects and other invertebrates. Some species are also scavengers or eat nectar and fruits.
- Communication and sounds: Some geckos make sounds, such as croaking, chirping or chirping, which are used to communicate with each other. These are often used during courtship or territory defense.
- Reproduction: Most geckos are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs. However, some species, especially those in the gecko family (Gekkonidae), are viviparous and give birth to young already as juvenile geckos.
- Significance in culture: Geckos play a role in the culture and beliefs of some communities. In some places, they are considered symbols of luck or spirit.
- Breeding as pets: Some species of geckos, especially those of smaller size, are popular as pets. Many geckos are kept in special terrariums.
- Threats: In some regions, geckos are threatened by habitat loss, trade as pets and the introduction of non-native species.
trivia
- Sticky tongue: Geckos have tongues that are extremely sticky due to tiny structures called papillae. This enables them to catch insects and other small animals.
- Ability to receive ultrasonic sounds: Some species of geckos, including the giant gecko (Gekko gecko), can perceive ultrasonic sounds that are beyond the range of human hearing.
- Tail regeneration: Geckos are known for their ability to regrow a lost tail. These tails can serve as a mechanism to distract predators or as a source of backup energy.
- Self-adherence to glass: Geckos are capable of adhering to smooth surfaces, such as glass and walls, thanks to the van der Waals effect. Their ability has inspired the creation of new materials with self-adhesive properties.
- Bioluminescence: Some species of geckos exhibit bioluminescence, or the ability to glow in the dark. They emit light from different parts of their body, such as their tail, abdomen or eyes.
- Geckos in the cosmos: Geckos were sent to the International Space Station in 2019 to study the effects of microgravity on their ability to cling to surfaces.
- Myths and beliefs: In some cultures, geckos are sometimes treated as symbols of good luck or considered to bring bad luck. In some folk beliefs, there are beliefs about geckos' ability to predict the weather.
- Geckos in literature and pop culture: Geckos appear in various literary works, movies and games. Their abilities and unusual appearance make them interesting characters in fictional worlds.
- Life expectancy: Depending on the species and environmental conditions, geckos can live for several to several years.
- Diversity of species: The gecko family (Gekkonidae) includes many species with different behaviors and adaptations. All this makes the study and learning about geckos extremely interesting.
