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The gecko is a small to medium-sized lizard that lives in warm climates. There are over 1,100 species of gecko, and most of them have thousands of hair-like structures on their feet, which help them to stick and climb slippery and flat surfaces.
Keep reading for more facts and information on geckos, or alternatively, you can download our comprehensive worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.
Facts About Geckos
- A gecko (Gekkonidae) is a small, four-legged animal belonging to the lizard family.
- Geckos are cold-blooded reptiles.
- They rely on external heat from their surroundings to regulate their body temperature.
- They are found in warm climates all over the world, on every continent except Antarctica.
- Most species are carnivorous, feeding mainly on insects.
- Most species are nocturnal, so during the day, they retreat to hiding spots like burrows.
- They are covered with a rough outer layer of minute scales.
- These scales provide a protective barrier while also helping to retain moisture in the body.
- There are more than 1,850 species of geckos in the world.
- Size and length vary per species.
- The tail is about half the length of the body.
- There are more than 100 different color combinations in geckos.
- Colors range from pinks and grays to greens and browns.
- Many geckos have darker patches of shading and decorative spots and patterns.
- The belly/underside of geckos is usually a light creamy-white.
- Geckos thrive in many different habitats, including arid areas with sparse vegetation.
- Geckos are different from other lizards because they use vocal chirps to communicate with each other.
Species
- There are more than 1,850 species of geckos worldwide. The following are the more common species.
- Coleonyx vaiegatus, or the western banded gecko, is native to the southwestern United States and northwest Mexico.
- Cyrtopodion brachykolol, or the bent-toed gecko, is found in northwestern Pakistan.
- Eublepharis macularius, the leopard gecko, is the most common gecko kept as a pet. It lacks adhesive toe pads and cannot climb glass.
- Gehyra mutilata, the stump-toed gecko, is found both in the wild, as well as in residential areas. It is able to vary its color from very light to very dark to camouflage itself.
- Gekko Gekko, also known as the Tokay gecko, is common in Southeast Asia. It is large, has bright markings, an aggressive temperament, and has a loud mating call.
- Hemidactylus, which has many varieties.
- Lepidodactylus lugubris, known as the mourning gecko, is originally an East Asian and Pacific species. It is also equally at home in the wild and residential areas.
- Pachydactylus bibironi, or Bibron’s gecko, is native to southern Africa. This hardy gecko is considered a household pest.
- Phelsuma laticauda, also known as the gold dust day gecko, is diurnal. It lives in northern Madagascar and on Comoros.
- Ptychozoon is a genus of arboreal geckos from Southeast Asia. It is known as the flying or parachute gecko. It has wing-like flaps from the neck to the upper leg to help it conceal itself on trees and assist with jumping.
- Rhacodactylus is a genus of geckos native to New Caledonia.
- Sphaerodactylus ariasae, the dwarf gecko, is the world’s smallest lizard and is native to the Caribbean Islands.
- Tarentola mauritanica, the crocodile or Moorish gecko, is mainly found in the Mediterranean region. Its distinguishing characteristics are a pointed head, spiked skin, and a tail resembling that of a crocodile.
Distinguishing Features
Feet
- The majority of gecko species have adhesive toe pads.
- The specialized pads are called setae.
- These pads enable them to climb onto vertical surfaces and stick (or adhere) to almost any surface. They can effortlessly cross a ceiling.
- The pads are self-cleaning.
Eyes
- Most species of gecko do not have eyelids.
- The surface of the eyeball is covered with a transparent membrane called the cornea.
- Geckos cannot blink. They lick their cornea with their tongue to clear them of dirt and dust.
- Most geckos are nocturnal and have good night vision.
Teeth
- Geckos have rows of tiny, conical teeth on both upper and lower jaws
- They have about one hundred teeth.
- They are able to replace each of these teeth every 3 to 4 months.
Ears
- Geckos do not have ears as we know them.
- They have openings on either side of their head for hearing.
- A tiny tunnel through their heads measures which direction sound is coming from.
- Membranes cover and protect these openings.
Tail
- Geckos’ tails are unique and have several different purposes.
- They use their tails as a warning sign, a sign of aggression, and in the act of defense.
- If necessary, a gecko will voluntarily detach its tail to save itself from a predator.
- The detached tail twitches, often distracting the predator while the gecko makes its escape.
- Tails regrow over a few months, but the bone in the tail does not grow back, and the gecko cannot detach it a second time.
Reproduction and Size
- Geckos reproduce by laying eggs.
- Females generally lay one or two eggs.
- Eggs are laid in protected locations, like under rocks or logs.
- The newly laid eggs are white and have soft, pliable shells.
- The shells quickly harden when exposed to air.
- Incubation differs from 30 to 80 days.
- Fully formed baby geckos, called hatchlings, emerge from the eggs.
- Hatchlings are on average 2.8 to 3.9 in (7 to 10 cm) in length and weigh about 2 to 5 grams.
- Adult female geckos are about 7.1 to 7.9 in (18 to 20 cm) in length and weigh about 50 to 70 grams.
- Adult male geckos are about 7.9 to 11.0 in (20 to 28 cm) in length and weigh about 60 to 80 grams.
- The lifespan of geckos is between 10 and 20 years.
Geckos as Pets
- Geckos are one of the easiest reptiles to care for.
- They tend to be docile and are the most popular lizard as a pet.
- Most geckos do not like being handled and quickly get stressed.
Did You Know?
- Geckos are insectivores, so they eat insects
- They eat primarily things smaller than themselves that share their environment.
- They also prefer to eat live prey.
- They only drink water, usually sourced from droplets/dew on plants.
- “House geckos” are often accepted in people’s homes as they feed on pests like mosquitoes.
Gecko Worksheets
This bundle contains 11 ready-to-use Gecko Worksheets that are perfect for students who want to learn more about the gecko which is a small to medium-sized lizard that lives in warm climates. There are over 1,100 species of gecko and most of them have thousands of hair-like structures on their feet which help them to stick and climb slippery and flat surfaces.
Download includes the following worksheets:
- Gecko Facts
- Quick Quiz
- Largest and Smallest
- Cretaceogecko – Word Creator
- Gecko-natomy – Labelling
- Fun Facts
- Rare Beauty – Gecko Match
- Gecko Pet – Pet Care
- Gecko Decode
- Gecko Maze
Frequently Asked Questions
Are geckos friendly?
Geckos are easy to tame and relatively easy to care for.
Do geckos bite?
Geckos are primarily docile but may bite if distressed.
What do geckos eat?
Most geckos eat live insects like flies, spiders, mosquitos, and beetles.
What do geckos drink?
Geckos drink water droplets found on plants.
How do geckos sleep?
Geckos hide under stones or in cavities to sleep. Geckos with eyelids close them, while geckos without eyelids constrict their pupils.
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Link will appear as Gecko Facts & Worksheets: https://kidskonnect.com - KidsKonnect, December 1, 2017
Use With Any Curriculum
These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.