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GECKO, common name for a family of small, harmless lizards, found mainly in tropical regions. These reptiles make a loud clicking noise that sounds like "gecko", hence the name; they are the only lizards that make any sound other than hissing. Geckos are often seen at night running upside down on the ceilings of houses. They can cling to smooth surfaces because each toe has a disk composed of closely set, concave areas that create suction. Geckos vary in length from 10 to 30 cm (4 to 12in) and have broad, flattened heads and thick, stumpy tails. The skin is coated with tiny, bumplike scales. In most species the two eyes are each covered by a transparent membrane kept clean by the tongue, which is thick and sticky. Geckos feed at night on insects, and are attracted to common household pests. Females usually lay two white, hard-shelled eggs. Geckos are not venomous, although in some regions they are feared as "poison lizards." The banded gecko is the most widespread North American species. The tokay of Southeast Asia, the largest gecko, with three different loud calls, is often sold as a pet. |