GECKO

Geckos are small to average sized lizards belonging to the family Gekkonidae, found in warmclimates throughout the world. Geckos are unique among lizards in their vocalizations, making chirping sounds in social interactions with other geckos. Gekkonidae is the largest family of lizards, with an estimated 2,000 different species worldwide and many others likely yet to be discovered. The name stems from the Javanese word Tokek, inspired by the sound these animals make.

Geckos come in various colors and patterns such as purple, pink, blue and also white.

Some are subtly patterned and somewhat rubbery looking, while others are brightly colored. Some species can change color to blend in with their environment or with particular temperatures. Some species are parthenogenic, which means the female is capable of reproducing without copulating with a male. This improves the gecko's ability to spread to new islands. However, in a situation where a single female gecko populates an entire island, said island will suffer from a lack of genetic variation within the geckos that inhabit it. The Gecko's mating call sounds like a shortened bird chirping which attracts males when they are around so the female can create a baby with more genetic variation by using sexual reproduction instead of asexual. Geckos also make a quality pet for small households. They can live and breed in small tanks or terrariums. They must have proper living space to survive. The average temperature in the day should be between 78 and 88 degrees Fahrenheit (25 and 31 degrees Celsius) and at night temperatures should not go below 72 degrees Fahrenheit (22 degrees Celsius) inside the tank. Proper foods for the geckos range from small baby crickets, roaches, phoenix worms and manufactured diets such as crested gecko diet. Many have a sweet tooth and like fresh fruits and honey.

Family Gekkonidae

§ Subfamily Aeluroscalabotinae

§ Genus Aeluroscalabotes, (monotypic) (A. felinus), Southeast Asia

§ Subfamily Diplodactylinae, 17 genera, found in Oceania

§ Genus Bavayia (11 species)

§ Genus Carphodactylus (monotypic)

§ Genus Crenadactylus (monotypic)

§ Genus Diplodactylus (40 species)

§ Genus Eurydactylodes (4 species)

§ Genus Hoplodactylus (10 species)

§ Genus Lucasium (monotypic)

§ Genus Naultinus (8 species)

§ Genus Nephrurus (11 species)

§ Genus Oedura (16 species)

§ Genus Phyllurus

§ Genus Pseudothecadactylus

§ Genus Rhacodactylus

§ Genus Rhynchoedura

§ Genus Saltuarius

§ Genus Strophurus

§ Genus Underwoodisaurus

§ Subfamily Eublepharinae, 5 genera

§ Genus Coleonyx

§ Genus Eublepharis

§ Genus Goniurosaurus

§ Genus Hemitheconyx

§ Genus Holodactylus

§ Subfamily Gekkoninae, 74 genera worldwide, some of the biggest genera are:

§ Genus Gehyra, Web-toed Geckos or Dtellas

§ Genus Gekko, true geckos

§ Genus Hemidactylus

§ Genus Phelsuma, day geckos, most are endemic to Madagascar.

§ Genus Phyllodactylus, leaf-toed geckos

§ Subfamily Teratoscincinae, wonder geckos

§ Genus Teratoscincus (7 species)