The domestic gecko attracts attention with its behavior and bright coloring; it can be kept in a terrarium, which gives it the opportunity to become an apartment decoration and the object of close attention. Its ability to move along vertical surfaces and hang with a minimum area of contact with a third-party object is surprising. Before you get a Gecko at home, you need to take into account that when moving into captivity, these reptiles live up to 20 years and require the creation and maintenance of special conditions.
general characteristics
Botanists are still changing the classification of these reptiles. They were united into 52 genera, of which 905 species are distinguished. It is impossible to create a general description of the gecko lizard, since all representatives of this genus are too different, depending on their habitat. Most species can change their appearance.
All of them belong to the cold-blooded family; accordingly, they live in regions where the atmospheric temperature does not drop below +25 degrees. Reptiles can stay awake even at night.
Animals make sounds that are quite loud and slightly reminiscent of the croaking of frogs.
What is the difference between a gecko and a lizard?
It is very difficult to answer this question; all lizards are classified as the largest group of reptiles. Geckos are only representatives of one family from the order of prehensile-tailed lizards. The group does not include snakes and two-year-olds. Although according to its cladistic principles, the snake is a descendant of the lizard, although it is placed in a separate order.
The most noticeable feature of all representatives of this family is scales on the skin and all representatives are cold-blooded. As of 2021, The Reptile Databse lists 6,332 species.
Appearance
Reptiles have a slightly flattened body and a large head. The limbs are short, and the tail is not very long and thick.
The largest representative is the South Asian toki, reaching a length of 360 millimeters, and the smallest barely reaches 18 mm in length.
The tail can tell a lot about the health of an animal. If it is too thin, then most likely the reptile has been starving for a long time and suffers from a lack of water; it is in this part of the body that fat deposits accumulate. In addition, the gecko lizard can shed its tail at a time of danger in order to distract the predator from itself. It will grow back later, but will no longer look as beautiful as before.
Arrangement of the terrarium
The floor should be covered with peat or coconut shavings, or small gravel can be used. This coating must be constantly moistened. Sand is not suitable for this purpose, since it, along with food, can enter the lizard’s body and cause various diseases.
During the day, the temperature in the terrarium should not be below 28 degrees, and at night - not below 8 degrees. Since there are also diurnal species of geckos, an ultraviolet lamp is desirable for them.
The terrarium should have a drinking bowl, several dry but not sharp branches, shards from ceramic pots, and pieces of tree bark. All this will serve as a shelter for the gecko.
You can put small pots with ornamental plants (philodendrons, dwarf creeping ficus, arrowroot, etc.) in the terrarium to maintain the necessary microclimate.
The lizard feels safe when there is a lot of decorations in the terrarium. It needs to be kept moist. To do this, the terrarium should be sprayed with warm boiled water twice a day, without waterlogging the soil. Take care to create effective ventilation.
Vision
The reptile has an almost perfect organ of vision. From a long distance, it can see both small prey and large predators. The eyeballs themselves are quite large when compared to the size of the head. However, the eyes do not have eyelids, but only a special shell that cleans them. If this is not enough, then the animal uses its tongue. Accordingly, what gecko lizards cannot do is blink.
Another interesting feature: the lizard's pupil has several pinholes, each of which can independently focus on a separate object, transmitting a clear image to the retina. Then the pictures are connected and a full picture is reproduced.
Tips for keeping a lizard
It is worth noting the category of people who should not have a pet lizard. The future owner must consciously approach the purchase of a future pet, having a great desire and financial capabilities.
A lizard at home will definitely not be a good gift for people with an unbalanced psyche, small children and people who are unable to even take care of themselves. If it is not possible to keep such a pet, then it is better to immediately abandon the idea of owning a lizard.
However, if the goal is set, then before purchasing you should definitely read specialized literature and consult a veterinarian.
Color
It is impossible to imagine a description of the gecko lizard without a photo. In such cases they say that God did his best. There are individuals with a color that imitates tree branches or leaves and even sand. And some can change color depending on the situation, like chameleons.
All animals have granular, scaly skin, the rows of which may be randomly arranged or may be distinct.
By the way, the bearer of the most unique color is considered to be the leaf-tailed and satanic gecko (lizard). It lives in the forests of Madagascar, but it is difficult to see it. His skin is as close as possible to fallen dry leaves. The reptile has huge and beautiful eyes. The animal is small in size, up to 14 centimeters in length. Color varies from dark yellow to dark brown. Representatives of this species are nocturnal. There are small growths above the eyes that protect from sunlight.
Currents
This is a fairly large lizard. Toki gecko (adult) reaches 35 cm in length. Males are brighter colored than females. Their backs can be olive, gray or dark green, with white patches that turn into stripes on the back. The eyes are large with vertical pupils. The body is dense, slightly flattened. The head is very large, powerful but short legs. The tail is not too long.
The toki gecko is common in tropical forests in southeast Asia. This reptile gives the deceptive impression of a clumsy creature. In fact, she is very active, especially at dusk. Toki are aggressive towards their fellows. Strangers are not allowed into their territory. They declare their right with a loud cry.
The riddle of the gecko
An amazing feature of the gecko lizard, which other reptiles cannot do, is to stay on a vertical or other surface. Moreover, even when climbing a smooth wall, the animal develops a speed of up to 1 meter in 1 second. And another unique feature is that the gecko is able to support the entire weight of its body with one paw.
This feature was studied back in the time of Aristotle, and subsequently it was the topic of no scientific work. Research has shown that the reptile's legs have small ridges covered with thin bristles. This allows the animal to stick to any surface, even in water or in a vacuum. The hairs on the paws never get dirty or even worn out, and at the same time, they never stick to unnecessary objects and places. It was also possible to find out that the reptile does not have glands that would secrete a special secretion, so the theory about the sticky substance was completely refuted.
Subsequently, many theories were put forward that the paws work like suction cups, perhaps they are held in place by friction or electrostatic voltage. As a result, they came to the conclusion that the animal uses van der Waals forces, that is, the closest interaction of molecules. But this force acts exclusively at short distances.
Subtleties and nuances when keeping a lizard at home
However, keeping a gecko also has some disadvantages. The owner must purchase the correct terrarium and all the accompanying accessories. This requires financial resources and sufficient space in the room. Another factor worth paying attention to is the availability of stores with special food for reptiles.
When choosing a terrarium, you should follow important rules:
- Before purchasing a future home for pets, you should decide how many animals will be kept in it.
- If there is 1 individual in the aquarium, then a volume of 40 liters is sufficient, if there are several, then 80 liters.
- It is important to maintain the desired temperature and humidity in the terrarium; as a rule, the temperature should be no less than 23 degrees and no higher than 40 degrees.
- During the pet's molting period, the aquarium must contain a large bath of water so that the pet can carefully get rid of the old coat.
- The aquarium must contain good lighting, so it is worth purchasing long-wave and medium-wave lamps.
Reproduction
Most species of gecko lizard are oviparous reptiles. However, the egg shell can be either hard or soft. There are representatives of this family that are viviparous animals. Everything depends entirely on the environment, but not on the season. As usual, there are no more than three eggs in a clutch. Oviparous mothers usually have no feelings for their young. And viviparous green geckos living in New Zealand give birth to lizards that are completely ready for independent existence, so it is almost impossible to see a caring mother in reality.
Description and area
Geckos are small to medium sized reptiles. The parietal bones are paired, the shape of the clavicles is expanded. With short limbs, they have an enlarged head and a flattened body. The tail is necessary for storing fat and protecting against rapid death without nutrition. During an attack, it may be reset with the further development of a new one, which will not look so nice.
The color depends on the conditions in which the lizard lives. Thin skin has scales with random rows of enlarged elements, which are responsible for color. Some Geckos look bright, there are shades on the body:
- green;
- yellow;
- blue;
- red;
- blue;
- turquoise.
Photo gallery of Geckos:
It is generally accepted that in the process of evolution, these reptiles learned to change color, adapting to the environment and defending themselves from attacks, which is similar to leopard geckos (Iranian, Turkmen and others). For example, individuals living in the sand are characterized by a beige skin tone with black stripes (South Asian and comb-toed).
Representatives of certain species are able to camouflage themselves under leaves and move in a measured manner, which complicates the task of recognizing them in natural conditions.
The reptile has large eyes without eyelids with a covering in the form of a fixed shell. Geckos are able to distinguish colors with a high degree of accuracy, which helps them hide from hostile species in time and find prey in seconds. The tongue is wide, there is a notch on the front side. Numerous formations on its surface help securely fix the victim.
Geckos have small hairs on their feet that provide reliable grip on the surface. All individuals have 5 widely spaced toes. Some varieties are additionally equipped with claws. Both in nature and in artificial conditions, reptiles regularly make loud sounds, especially during the mating season.
The best habitat conditions for Geckos are the tropics and subtropics, but they can be found on all continents, with the exception of Antarctica. Reptiles are more comfortable at an air temperature of +25 °C. Many species inhabit:
- southern part of Europe;
- islands of South America;
- African countries;
- southwest USA.
The dimensions of reptiles are determined by age and species. For example, dwarf varieties grow no more than 5 cm, and large varieties reach 35 cm. Reptiles are accustomed to living in colonies with small areas allocated to each. Inactive during the daytime, they go out hunting and searching for individuals for breeding at nightfall.
Most geckos are oviparous, but some species are viviparous. When she wants to mate, the female makes a peculiar sound that attracts a reptile of the opposite sex. After catching it, the male begins the chase, grabs the individual with his jaws and begins fertilization. As a result, the female makes 6-8 clutches of 3-5 eggs per season (average values).
Eating in a natural environment
Gecko lizards do not catch fish or eat them, this is a fact. One thing we can definitely say about these reptiles is that they are very voracious. If an animal overeats, then all the fat is deposited in the tail. In nature they use:
- worms;
- larvae;
- cicadas;
- butterfly caterpillars;
- cockroaches;
- small midges.
Large animals can consume scorpions, small mice, frogs and young snakes, even small chicks.
The only thing reptiles do not eat is vegetation, as they are predators. In cities with a subtropical climate, geckos even settle in houses and apartments; they noticed that the light emitted by electric lamps attracts insects, therefore, you can eat well, the main thing is to find a good wall.
And in South America, reptiles learned to live in caves with bats. In the habitats of mice there is a lot of droppings, which attract cockroaches, which are then eaten by geckos.
Leopard gecko as a pet
Geckos are tamed and easily make contact with their owner, distinguishing the person they are accustomed to from other people. Serious breeders claim that the animals do not experience pleasure from this, and they can easily get stressed from “squeezing,” but nevertheless, it is not noticeable from the behavior of the lizards that they do not like spending time in their arms. In visiting “touching” zoos, geckos are constantly touched by small visitors, and this does not cause any harm to the animals. Follow simple rules:
- do not take the animal from above (lizards regard this as a threat of attack, because in nature their enemies (birds of prey, for example) attack from above;
- do not grab the tail, because the leopard gecko can throw it off, and although a new one will grow over time, it will no longer be as beautiful;
- The gecko must be taken from below, under the abdomen and “by the waist” - between the front and back pair of legs.
Leopard geckos can quietly bask on your neck for a long time when you are sitting at the computer. They can run briskly around the house if you let them out (but don’t let them run far, lizards easily dive into any cracks, and then try to get them out of there).
Leopard geckos can watch TV; changing pictures attract them as much as any moving objects.
If you feed the lizard at the same time every time, after a few weeks it will get used to the regime and will come out of the shelter into the open in anticipation of feeding. Geckos are clean. They easily learn to go to the toilet on a napkin lying in the corner of the terrarium, so their home is very easy to clean.
Keeping at home
The most important thing for pet gecko lizards is maintaining temperature conditions. That is, before buying an animal you need to select a terrarium. Depending on the type of reptile, the “house” can be vertical or horizontal.
You should handle the animal very carefully and do not allow it to bite your hands. You should not touch the tail, otherwise he may throw it off, scared.
The diet should be as close as possible to that of the animal in its natural environment:
- crickets;
- cockroaches;
- wax moth larvae, preferably live;
- worms;
- cicadas.
The amount of food is selected individually, depending on the size of the lizard.
House lizard nutrition
Before you get a pet, you should definitely ask yourself what geckos eat. Most representatives of this species hunt at night. The common gecko eats beetles, butterflies, centipedes, crickets, spiders and cockroaches. Many large species, such as Caledonian geckos, chase young lizards, mice and small birds. In the wild, lizards feed on a variety of foods, including fruits and vegetation, insects, eggs, small quadrupeds, carrion, and even (in the case of large carnivore lizards) large prey such as deer. In captivity, geckos happily eat juicy fruits, yoghurts, baby fruit mixtures, and honey. You need to mix vitamins and calcium supplements in yogurt.
Females and cubs constantly need vitamins and mineral fertilizers. These can be regular chalk or calcium glycerophosphorus tablets. Some owners buy poultry (chicken, turkey, duck) for their pets in the store.
Keeping and feeding an exotic animal must include several mandatory rules:
- It is imperative to place a container of water in the terrarium.
- Your pet's diet should include: mealworms, live larvae, crickets, cicadas, small insects, flies, spiders and cockroaches.
- Preferably live.
- Pets can be fed fruits, vegetables and vegetation.
- Before purchasing, you should definitely consult with a specialist on the amount of food for the animal (some individuals eat 2-3 times a week, and some need to eat every day).
- The pet's grip is strong, so it is better to stay away from the lizard's teeth.
Five most popular species for home breeding
Some species of gecko or snake lizard require special conditions of detention, especially in terms of temperature. But in most cases there is no need to purchase expensive equipment, and a beautiful terrarium can be bought for little money.
Eublefar gecko, or leopard gecko. It is believed that these are the most unpretentious and friendly pets. Today, many species of various colors have been bred. They are very clean and will not disturb the owner with loud croaking sounds. They can live up to 30 years. They can be left at home alone for quite a long time, as they can withstand up to several weeks without food or water.
Banana eater. Unlike most members of this family, these lizards are omnivorous, but very shy. Very often, even at home, the tail is discarded and never grows back. The animal has very delicate skin and has eyelashes. Loves to jump. On average, they live up to 20 years.
Currents. Photos of a gecko lizard of this species can be found on almost every website dedicated to these animals. They are quite large and have a bright color. It is recommended to handle the reptile only with gloves, as there have been many cases of severe injuries after a bite. In such cases, vinegar is often used, dripping onto the lizard's nose.
It should be understood that currents are nocturnal inhabitants and produce very loud sounds reminiscent of the word “currents,” which is why this name appeared. And males prefer to scream at night. But, as a rule, no difficulties arise when maintaining them.
Felzuma. These are diurnal lizards and have the most beautiful colors. However, they are completely uncommunicative and will never acknowledge the person. But it is very interesting to watch their movement on a vertical surface. When taking such an animal home, you should remember that it will need to install an ultraviolet lamp in the terrarium, you will have to constantly monitor the humidity level and even give it vitamins and calcium.
Hemiteconix. According to the description and photo, the gecko lizard of this species is very similar to the leopard lizard. Peak activity occurs in the evening and at night. A completely non-aggressive creature, calm and slow. But he will not be friends with a person like a leopard gecko. The animal's eyelid is very mobile; its paws have claws that do not allow it to move on vertical smooth surfaces.
Key Features
- Most geckos cannot blink because their eyelids are fused (the exception is the leopard species). Snakes also have this structural feature.
- The slit pupils resemble a cat's eyes.
- Long tongues help animals clean their eyes.
- Lizards' tails like to fall off when in danger. Instead of a worn tail, a new one grows, but it will not become more beautiful than the old one, quite the opposite. Geckos must be handled with care.
- The tail accumulates fat and water reserves. Based on his condition, one can judge the baby’s fatness.
- Leaf-toed individuals, like cats, are able to retract their claws.
Geckos are noisy little creatures, most of them are capable of making sounds. Some of them chirp, others click. And all in order to intimidate a rival or attract a female.
A pet living in a terrarium can even learn to sing. Notable singers are representatives of the Toki species. However, their songs are too reminiscent of croaking.
You can read about other unusual animals here:
Most lizards cannot blink because their eyelids are fused (the exception is the leopard species). Snakes also have this structural feature.
Interesting! Some individuals, when alarmed, can even emit ultrasound. The geckos themselves don’t hear him, and why should they? It is enough that mammals and birds hear them: the sound is good at scaring away predators.
There are representatives of the species that can fly. The most famous aerial ace is the lobe-tailed gecko. It has folds of skin along its entire body.
By deploying them like a parachute, the lizard can glide through the air. She uses her abilities while hunting or escaping from enemies.
Interesting! When scientists need to catch a gecko, they use water guns. When wet, he becomes temporarily incapacitated.
A pet animal living in a terrarium can learn to sing. However, his songs are too reminiscent of croaking
Flying individuals
There is such a unique species from the family of lizards - Kühl's lobe-tailed gecko or flying one. The peculiarity of the species is that the animal practically floats from one tree to another. The reptile lives only in trees and is found on the islands of Indonesia and the Malay Peninsula. The animal's paws are webbed, and its tail is very long, up to 20 centimeters, which allows it to easily jump from tree to tree.
When keeping flying geckos, you will need a fairly high and wide terrarium, at least 90 centimeters high. There should be a lot of things inside that will bring the reptile’s existence as close as possible to natural conditions, that is, it should be able to jump. They live relatively short, about 8 years.
Some more interesting facts
Another unique feature of the gecko is that it does not need to take baths. All dirt, dust and debris fall away under the influence of atmospheric moisture. After a series of studies, it was found that they have small hairs on their skin that create air pockets, as a result of which moisture washes away all the dirt from the body. Such a hydrophobic surface is characteristic exclusively of insects and plants, and among vertebrates only the gecko has it. Despite such unique features, gecko lizards still do not know how to fish. By the way, this question was asked in the program “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” (broadcast on 12/30/17).
At the same time, scientists use a “water gun” to catch this reptile. After getting wet (what gecko lizards can’t do?) – they practically cannot move until the water drains.
Due to their craftiness, lizards quickly spread throughout the world. In the suitcases of travelers they came from Turkey to Central America and to the USA, by the way, they took root perfectly and formed large populations. However, not all species can boast of such vitality; some individuals are already listed in the Red Book. And there are such unique species that only a couple of individuals have been caught in history. Back in 1956, a reticulated ground gecko was discovered in the United States; the second representative of this species was caught only in 1971.
