Geckos are lizards of the Squamata order and the family
Gekkonidae. There are over 2000 different species of gecko around the world. Preferring
warmer climates, geckos are commonly found in the tropics and countries close
to the equator.
Interesting features of the gecko include a lack of eyelids,
skin that changes color (even if only slightly) and a very distinguished vocal
range. Geckos have a mating call that sounds like a bird's chirp and is used to
attract a large number of males to a female in estrus to help increase the genetic
diversity of the offspring. Geckos come in a range of sizes from a few
millimeters to several inches. They have sticky foot pads that allow them to
adhere well to surfaces without the use of liquid or other forms of traction.
Geckos eat small insects and flies and are often kept as
pets in heated tanks. When feeling defensive, many species of gecko will defecate
on their aggressor.