Geckos are among the most fascinating reptiles on the planet, with their adaptations being the focus of studies across the globe. Found across most environments (except Antarctica!), these colourful creatures are sure to make you fall in love with their quirky behaviours and wonderous adaptations.
Whether you’re curious about the gecko lizard’s sticky toes or wondering what geckos eat, we’re about to uncover some amazing facts for you, including a closer look at the giant Madagascan day gecko, one of our favourites at Hastings Aquarium.
What is a gecko?
A gecko is a type of lizard from the Gekkonidae family, a group that includes more than 1,000 unique species. Known for their adhesive toe pads, nocturnal habits, and surprising vocal abilities, geckos have evolved in incredible ways to suit their environments. Unlike many lizards, geckos can produce a wide range of sounds and are expert climbers thanks to their specially adapted, sticky feet.
10 Fun Facts About Geckos
1. There are over 1,000 species of gecko
From the thumbnail-sized dwarf gecko, one of the smallest reptiles in the world, to the new Caledonian giant gecko (also called the leachianus gecko), geckos display a staggering variety of shapes, colours, and sizes meaning that no two species are quite the same, with many of them being masters of camouflage and climbing.
2. Geckos have specialised feet to cling to surfaces
Geckos can walk up walls and even across ceilings, thanks to millions of microscopic hairs on their feet called setae. These tiny hairs make such close contact with surfaces that molecular attraction, known as van der Waals forces, essentially glues the gecko in place. This adaptation is so miraculous that scientists have recreated it using synthetic setae, allowing objects to stick to surfaces without any adhesive or suction.
3. Geckos shed their tail as a form of defence
When threatened, a gecko can drop its tail while it escapes, leaving the predator distracted and confused. While the tail regrows over time, it often looks slightly different from the original. Tail loss can also happen due to stress, injury, or rough handling, so it’s best to admire these reptiles without touching them.
4. Their tail also stores fat and nutrients
For many species, especially those in arid environments like the Leopard Gecko, the tail is more than just a defence tool; it’s a built-in food bank. Geckos store fat in their tails to help them survive periods without food, drawing on these reserves when food is scarce.
5. Geckos live all over the world… except Antarctica
Geckos can be found in pretty much every corner of the world, from tropical rainforests and scorching deserts to temperate woodlands and mountainous terrain. Geckos have adapted to a wide range of climates. Like lots of expansive species, the only place that geckos haven’t managed to make their mark is the icy desert of Antarctica.
6. Geckos are omnivorous
So, what do geckos eat? Most geckos are omnivores, feasting on insects, fruit, and nectar. Nocturnal species hunt at night using their keen eyesight to spot prey, while diurnal species like the giant Madagascan day gecko nibble on a mix of bugs and plant matter during daylight hours.
7. Geckos have incredible eyesight for hunting
Geckos see exceptionally well in the dark. Their retinas are hundreds of times more sensitive to light than those of humans, allowing them to spot prey and predators in near-total darkness. Even more impressively, many species can see colours in low light, which is a rare feat in the animal kingdom.
8. Geckos communicate through different sounds and movements
Geckos, unlike most lizards, are quite vocal. Depending on the species, they may chirp, click, bark, or squeak. They even use body language like tail flicks, head bobs, and scent markings to communicate territory or attract mates.
9. Most geckos don’t have eyelids!
Instead of eyelids, most geckos have a transparent scale called a spectacle (sort of like built-in contact lenses) covering their eyes. To keep them clean and moist, they use their tongue to lick their eyeballs. However, some species, like leopard geckos, are exceptions and do have eyelids – a necessity for a gecko that lives in arid climates.
10. Some species of gecko are masters of camouflage
You probably know that chameleons are masters of camouflage, but geckos are also adept at disguising themselves. Leaf-tailed geckos, for example, use their bark-like skin, jagged edges, and dappled colour to blend into trees and leaves.
The tokay gecko employs a similar strategy to blend into rocks and leafy surroundings, using blue-grey hues and red-orange spots to hide.
See geckos at Hastings Aquarium
Get up close with some of the world’s most interesting geckos in the Jungle Room at Hastings Aquarium.
Crested gecko
The crested gecko (Correlophus ciliates), known as the eyelash gecko thanks to the frilly crests above its eyes and down its back, is renowned for its acrobatics. It leaps between branches, using its semi-prehensile (able to grab hold of branches) tail for balance. Native to the island of New Caledonia in the Pacific Ocean, they survive on a diet of fruits, nectar, and soft seeds in the wild.
Madagascan day gecko
Bright green with red speckles, the giant Madagascan day gecko (Phelsuma madagascariensis grandis) is one of the most colourful reptiles at our Aquarium.
Luckily for you, the Madagascan day gecko is most active during the day, when it spends most of its time just hanging out, making use of their incredibly adapted toes. Males are typically more vibrant than females, with broader heads and more defined red markings, which is something you can point out to your family and friends when you visit. Native to eastern Madagascar, this gecko likes to eat various insects and small invertebrates.
Want to see these amazing geckos in person? Book your visit to Hastings Aquarium today and step into the world of reptiles like you’ve never seen them before: up close and personal.