Reptiles Geckos

Cold-blooded geckos enjoy life in the tropics.

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With more than 1, 000 different geckos species known, the multicolored, smooth-skinned reptiles are tremendously diverse and well-adapted creatures. Innately cold-blooded creatures, they thrive in the wild in warm, balmy climates all over the world; and their beautiful appearance, fascinating footwork and unique vocalizations make them favorites among exotic animal lovers. Members of the lizard family, geckos display several characteristics that underscore their charming reptilian nature.

Physical Appearance

Geckos come in many sizes, from as small as a half an inch long to as many as 14 or 15 inches long. Most notable, however, are geckos' small and delicate scales. These little reptiles are found in many colors, patterns and hues - dark greens, blues and yellows, and vibrant stripes, spots or multicolor camouflage. But geckos share several other distinctive characteristics beyond coloration. Their bodies, for example, are usually rather small in proportion to their heads, compared with other lizards. Their heads are dominated by large, alert eyes. Geckos do not possess eyelids; rather, their eyes are covered by transparent membranes they clean with their long tongues, according to the Ark in Space website.

Other Reptilian Physical Traits

Geckos' tails serve to store both fat and water, and typically compose a large part of their bodies. Geckos are capable of instinctively shedding their tails when threatened. The tail's muscles will still move after it separates from the body, distracting predators long enough for the creatures to escape. Fortunately, as with most lizards, geckos can regenerate their tails. But perhaps the most fascinating aspect of geckos is their feet: They have short and somewhat bulbous toes, the pads of which are covered in setae, or small hooked bristles. This amazing feature allows geckos to climb vertical surfaces and even scamper across ceilings.