Gecko Photos

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Gecko Photos

Below are selected pictures of geckos from around the world. More photographs of geckos are available in the country sections found on the left.

Except where noted, all images are the property of Rhett A. Butler, copyright 1994-2004. Contact me with questions regarding use, reproduction, or purchase of any of the pictures.

UPDATED PHOTOS HERE

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Related sections:
Madagascar Geckos, Madagascar Gecko Information

Geckos are found in warm climates worldwide and are named for their well-known vocalizations (chirps) used in social interactions with other geckos. Many geckos have specialized toe pads that enable them to climb smooth vertical surfaces.

More from Wikipedia.org:

Geckos are small to moderately large lizards belonging to the family Gekkonidae and found in warm climates throughout the world. Geckos are unique among lizards in their vocalizations, making chirping sounds in social interactions with other geckos. Geckos are unusual in other respects as well. Many species have specialized toe pads that enable them to climb smooth vertical surfaces and even cross indoor ceilings with ease. These antics are well-known to persons living in warm regions of the world where several species of geckos make their home inside human habitations. These species (for example the House gecko) become part of the indoor menagerie and are seldom really discouraged because they feed on insect pests.

Most geckos are tan to dark grey, subtly patterned, and somewhat rubbery looking. Some species can change color to blend in with their surroundings. However others can be brightly colored. Like most lizards, they eat insects. Some species are parthenogenic, the females capable of reproducing without copulating with a male. This improves the gecko's ability to spread to new islands.

The toes of the gecko have attracted a lot of attention, as they adhere to a wide variety of surfaces, without the use of liquids or surface tension. Recent studies of the setae on gecko footpads demonstrates that the attractive forces that hold geckos to surfaces are van der Waals interactions between the finely divided setae and the surfaces themselves.

That these kinds of interactions involve no liquids (or no gases) is important; in theory, a boot made of synthetic setae would adhere as easily to the surface of the International Space Station as it would to a living room wall.

Many gecko species may be kept as pets and will eat various kinds of insects. A talking computer animated Gecko is the mascot of the Geico insurance compamy

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Copyright Rhett Butler 1994-2012

Pictures were taken by Rhett A. Butler, copyright 1996-2009. While these photos are the property of mongabay.com, it may be permissible to use them for non-commercial purposes (like powerpoint presentations and school projects), provided that the images are not altered in any form. Please read this for more details. If you are interested in using an image in a publication please contact me.

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