subject: Quick Guide to Leopard Gecko Pets [print this page] Quick Guide to Leopard Gecko Pets Quick Guide to Leopard Gecko Pets
There are approximately 700 species of geckos known. Actually, there are well over 1,000 species and the second largest lizard family. Geckos are native in many parts of the world. They inhabit, depending on the specie, rainforests, deserts and dry lands. Some of the species are found near human settlements, and some even come up inside people's houses.
The size of animals varies between species from 3.5 up to 60cm in length. All geckos have very sensitive skin with usually very small scales. Geckos are capable of autonomy. They can loose their tails either from an attack from a predator or accidentally and can grow back after a short time, but is rarely as normal as before. The tail serves as an important lizard fat and nutrient storage. So always take care of your pet gecko's tail.
Geckos are remarkable in their feet. Many species have adhesive lamellae, which allow them to run or climb on very smooth surfaces and objects (preferably in bamboo or glass terrariums). Others species have the ability to run on sand. And others have tiny claws for climbing.
Some essential information about geckos:
1. Geckos mainly eat insects. They are considered excellent hunters! Some species like to lick sweet fruits.
2. The eyes and the ears are well developed. Many species make sounds by themselves, to communicate among themselves.
3. The sexes can be seen in some species as an enlarged femoral or cloacal pores. In various species a sex determination is difficult. - All geckos are oviparous.
4. Geckos are fairly shy and therefore move quickly if they feel threatened. Escaping from the terrarium is a common task a gecko likes to do.
5. Most gecko species are crepuscular or nocturnal, except during the day geckos (Phelsuma).
Related Topic: "Ultimate Guide Tips to Saving Your Leopard Gecko"
