Gallery of Live Geckos | Geckos - Tails to Toepads

Bibron’s Gecko
Chondrodactylus bibronii

These rugged geckos live in the vast, unforgiving Karoo landscape of South Africa. They are opportunists and have followed the spread of human civilization, attracted to swarms of insects that congregate around outdoor lights.

Photo: Robert Michniewicz

Crested Gecko
Rhacodactylus ciliatus

For more than 100 years crested geckos were thought to be extinct, but in 1992 they were rediscovered. The geckos were probably always there, but a long dry period may have driven them high into the canopy where nobody thought to look. Crested geckos are now commonly seen on the island.

Photo: Joe McDonald, courtesy Reptiland.

Fan-fingered Gecko
Ptyodactylus hasselquistii

These desert geckos scamper up rock faces and cling to vertical cliffs. Their fan-shaped toes form-fit over irregular surfaces, maximizing their adhesive “grip.” Males call loudly to attract females and their hearing is the most sensitive of any lizard tested.

Photo: Guy Haimovitch

Giant Day Gecko
Phelsuma madagascariensis grandis

This is what most people think of when they hear the word “gecko.” This striking lizard sports emerald green skin with crimson red highlights, and scampers boldly about in daylight, eating nectar and fruit.

Photo: Frank Wouters

Giant Leaf-tailed Gecko
Uroplatus fimbriatus

These large geckos are specialized forest dwellers from Madagascar—some perch on tree bark, others on bamboo. Although harmless, many Malagasy people fear leaf-tailed geckos, believing they are “devil lizards.”

Photo: Erin Yard

Gliding Gecko
Ptychozoon kuhli

Although they can’t truly fly, these geckos get around in a spectacular way—they hang glide! When the lizards leap from a tall tree, loose folds of skin along the sides, around the tail, and between the toes open like parachutes. Flattened tails help the geckos steer in flight, and adhesive toepads allow them to “stick” every landing.

Photo: Joe McDonald, courtesy Reptiland.

Leopard Gecko
Eublepharis macularius

If you think dogs and cats are the only pets selectively bred for desirable traits, think again. Leopard geckos are the most popular reptile pets and breeders have been changing their genetics for more than a decade. These lizards showcase the power of selective breeding with “morphs” in almost every color of the rainbow.

Photo: Joe McDonald, courtesy Reptiland.

New Caledonian Giant Gecko
Rhacodactylus leachianus

This is the world’s heavyweight gecko, growing up to 16” long. Like most geckos it eats insects, but this giant also occasionally eats fruit. And a big part of its diet in the wild is other geckos!

Photo: Joe McDonald, courtesy Reptiland.

Satanic Leaf-tailed Gecko
Uroplatus phantasticus

These geckos are incredible leaf mimics—if you can’t see them, keep looking. They perch motionless, often hanging by their tails to look like dead leaves. At the first sign of danger, they drop to the forest floor and vanish in the leaf litter.

Photo: Bill Love, courtesy Reptiland.

Skunk Gecko
Gekko vittatus

Skunk geckos are found in the lush tropical forests of Indonesia and New Guinea. They spend most of their lives in trees and squawk loudly to communicate during courtship.

Photo: Joe McDonald, courtesy Reptiland.

Tokay Gecko
Gekko gecko

Not all geckos are small and shy—this one is big and ferocious! When fighting with other geckos or attacking an intruder, the Tokay Gecko emits a startling cry that sounds like its name (toe-kay). If that isn’t enough, the gecko will chase the enemy and deliver a surprisingly painful bite.

Photo: Joe McDonald, courtesy Reptiland.