Welcome to our exploration of geckos! Geckos are fascinating small to medium-sized lizards belonging to the infraorder Gekkota. These remarkable reptiles are found in warm climates throughout the world, inhabiting diverse environments ranging from lush rainforests and arid deserts to rugged mountains and even urban areas. Their ability to adapt to such varied habitats has contributed to their success as one of the most diverse groups of lizards on Earth.
Geckos have evolved several remarkable adaptations that make them unique among lizards. Their most famous feature is their specialized toe pads, which contain millions of microscopic hair-like structures called setae. These setae create van der Waals forces that allow geckos to climb vertical surfaces and even hang upside down on smooth glass! Unlike most lizards, geckos lack eyelids and instead have a transparent scale called a spectacle protecting their eyes. Many gecko species can vocalize, making distinctive chirps, clicks, or barking sounds for communication. And when threatened, geckos can drop their tail—a defense mechanism called autotomy—which continues to wiggle, distracting predators while the gecko escapes.
Most geckos are primarily insectivores, feeding on a variety of insects and other small invertebrates like spiders, crickets, and moths. Their hunting technique typically involves a quick lunge and snap of their sticky tongue to capture prey. Some larger gecko species have been known to consume small vertebrates such as smaller lizards or even baby mice. A few specialized gecko species have adapted to include fruit or flower nectar in their diet. Many gecko species are nocturnal hunters, with specialized eyes that provide excellent vision in low light conditions, allowing them to spot prey even in near darkness.