# Gecko (*Gekkonidae*) Geckos are small lizards known for their sticky toe pads that help them climb walls and ceilings. They come in various colors and sizes, and some can even change their skin color! - **Category:** [Reptiles](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/reptile) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Urban areas, Forests, Tropical regions - **Also known as:** Common Gecko, House Gecko ![Gecko](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771424441/objects/6111.jpg) ## Appearance The Gecko is a small to medium-sized lizard, often with soft, velvety skin and large, lidless eyes. They come in a vast array of colors, from muted greens and browns for camouflage to vibrant blues, and many have intricate patterns or spots. Their distinctive toe pads often appear segmented. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Squamata - **Order:** Lacertilia - **Family:** Gekkonidae ## Interesting facts - Geckos make more sounds than most lizards, from chirps to barks, to "talk" to each other! - Many geckos don't have eyelids; they use their long tongues to clean their own eyeballs! - Some geckos can change their skin color quickly to blend into their surroundings perfectly! - The world's smallest gecko is so tiny it could fit on a dime coin! ## Special abilities - **Super Climber:** Gecko can walk on walls and ceilings because of microscopic hairs on their toe pads that create powerful adhesion. - **Tail Escape:** Gecko can drop its tail to distract predators, which then wiggles on its own, allowing the gecko to escape. - **Night Vision:** Gecko has excellent night vision because their large eyes and unique pupils gather light effectively, helping them hunt in the dark. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 2-35 cm - **Weight:** 0.001-0.2 kg - **Lifespan:** 5-20 years - **Speed:** 8 km/h - **Clutch Size:** 1-2 - **Incubation:** 30-100 days ## Diet & Feeding Geckos are expert hunters, mainly eating insects and other small creatures, sometimes even fruit! - **Primary Foods:** insects, spiders, worms, fruit, nectar - **Foraging Method:** Ambush ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** [Domestic Cat](https://www.snappit.app/explore/domestic-cat) (*Felis catus*) — A common predator of geckos, especially in urban areas. - **Eaten by:** Brown Tree Snake (*Boiga irregularis*) — Devastated gecko populations on Guam, causing ecological collapse. - **Hunts:** House Fly (*Musca domestica*) — Geckos are vital predators, helping to control insect populations. ## Traits - [Arboreal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/arboreal): Arboreal animals live primarily in trees, utilizing them for shelter, food, and protection from predators. - [Camouflaged](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/camouflaged): Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment. - [Insectivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/insectivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates. - [Tool Use](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/tool-use): This trait describes organisms that manipulate external objects to achieve a specific goal. - [Ancient Lineage](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/ancient-lineage): This trait signifies organisms belonging to a very old evolutionary group with ancestors dating back millions of years. - [Echolocation](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/echolocation): Echolocation is a biological sonar used by animals to navigate, hunt, and communicate by emitting sound waves and interpreting the echoes. - [Regenerative](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/regenerative): Regenerative organisms possess the ability to regrow lost or damaged body parts, tissues, or organs. - [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day. ## Collections - [Reptiles](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/reptiles) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Observe geckos from a safe distance and avoid touching them to keep them safe. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Gecko? Compare toes, scales, head shape, crests and tail proportions. Many lizards can drop and regrow their tails, so a short tail isn't always a species trait. Lizard Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Gecko? 2-35 cm ### How much does Gecko weigh? 0.001-0.2 kg ### How long does Gecko live? 5-20 years ### How fast can Gecko move? 8 km/h ### What does Gecko eat? Geckos are expert hunters, mainly eating insects and other small creatures, sometimes even fruit! ### Where is Gecko usually found? Urban areas, Forests, Tropical regions ### How does Gecko hunt? Ambush ## More Reptiles - [Pond Slider](https://www.snappit.app/explore/pond-slider) (*Trachemys scripta*) - [Western Fence Lizard](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-fence-lizard) (*Sceloporus occidentalis*) - [Common Five-lined Skink](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-five-lined-skink) (*Plestiodon fasciatus*) - [Desert Spiny Lizard](https://www.snappit.app/explore/desert-spiny-lizard) (*Sceloporus magister*) --- Source: [Gecko: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/gecko)