FaunaHub

Gecko

ReptileLizardWild

A leopard gecko (Eublepharis macularius) with spotted yellow-and-white skin.

Leopard gecko (Eublepharis macularius).

Image: George Chernilevsky, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

Overview

Geckos are small-to-medium lizards making up a large, diverse group (infraorder Gekkota) with well over a thousand species worldwide. This page is a group-level overview; the leopard gecko (Eublepharis macularius) is used as a familiar reference. Geckos are known for their climbing ability, varied vocalisations in many species, and, in many, the lack of eyelids — instead they lick a clear scale to clean the eye.

Habitat & Range

Geckos are found across warm regions worldwide — deserts, forests, rocky areas, and, for some species, human buildings. The leopard gecko is a ground-dwelling species of arid regions of Asia, unusual among geckos in having movable eyelids. Habitat and range vary enormously across the group, so a single species is not representative of all geckos.

Diet

Most geckos are insectivores, eating insects and other small invertebrates, though some also take nectar or fruit. This page describes general feeding ecology and does not give pet feeding instructions or quantities, which are species-specific and should follow qualified reptile-veterinary guidance.

Behavior

Many geckos are famous for climbing smooth surfaces, including glass, using microscopic hair-like structures on their toe pads that grip via tiny adhesive forces. Many are nocturnal, and numerous species are vocal, giving chirps and clicks — unusual among lizards. Like some other lizards, many geckos can shed their tail to escape predators and later regrow it. Behaviour varies widely by species.

Human Interaction & Conservation

Geckos are wild reptiles; some, such as leopard geckos, are widely kept by experienced reptile keepers but still require specialised care, and this page is not a care guide. Many gecko species are common, while some have small ranges and are of conservation concern; status varies by species and should be checked against current sources. House geckos are often welcomed for eating insects but should not be handled unnecessarily.

Appearance & Recognition

Geckos are typically small lizards with large eyes (often with vertical pupils in nocturnal species), soft skin, and, in many species, expanded toe pads for climbing. The leopard gecko is stout, pale yellow with dark spots, and — unusually for a gecko — has eyelids and lacks adhesive toe pads. Size, colour, and toe structure vary greatly across the gecko group.

Similar Animals

Geckos are lizards, related to the chameleon, iguana, and monitor lizard covered on FaunaHub, though they form their own large group. Their climbing toe pads (in many species) and vocalisations help distinguish them from other small lizards.

More photos of the gecko

A leopard gecko on a pale surface.

A leopard gecko, one of many gecko species.

Image: Ryan Somma, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Frequently Asked Questions — Gecko

How do geckos climb walls and glass?
Many geckos have toe pads covered in microscopic hair-like structures (setae) that grip surfaces through tiny adhesive forces, letting them climb smooth surfaces including glass. Not all geckos have these pads — the leopard gecko, for example, does not.
Are geckos good pets?
Some geckos, such as leopard geckos, are commonly kept by experienced reptile keepers, but they need specialised housing, heat, and care. This page is an educational wildlife profile, not a care guide; consult a qualified reptile veterinarian or specialist before keeping any reptile.
Why do some geckos make noise?
Unusually among lizards, many geckos are vocal, producing chirps, clicks, or barks used in communication such as defending territory or attracting mates. The familiar name "gecko" itself echoes the call of some species.

Sources and further reading

Authoritative wildlife references used for general educational context. Conservation status should always be verified against current IUCN Red List data. External links open in a new tab.