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Mediterranean Gecko

	Mediterranean Gecko Hemidactylus turcicus Mediterranean Geckos are an introduced species in Texas. Since their arrival the Black Widow Spider population in Central Texas has experienced a sharp decline. © Jim Baines Nikon D200 Digital...
	Gecko Toes © Jim Baines Nikon D200 Digital...

Jim Baines
BetterPhoto Member Since: 4/13/2005

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Gecko toes

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2/13/2011 8:37:50 AM

Jim Baines
BetterPhoto Member Since: 4/13/2005

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The Mediterranean Gecko is a relatively small lizard with a large triangular-shaped head, flat body, and a thick round tail. These geckos also have large eyes with vertical pupils and no eyelids. Because they have no eyelids, Mediterranean Geckos can be observed licking their eyes in order to keep them clean. Their skin is almost translucent in certain areas and is covered with small bumps and nodules. Geckos in general are know for their ability to climb and cling to smooth surfaces that would be very difficult for other creatures to manage. They do this without the aid of liquid adhesives or claws. Instead approximately 500,000 setae on their foot and toe pads create an attractive force know as van der Waals force. Also notable is the gecko’s ability to drop its tail when threatened. The dropped tail will continue to move on its own and often distract a predator while the gecko makes its escape. The gecko will re-grow its tail following an attack. They were originally native to southern Europe only, but have migrated to many new parts of the world by hitching rides on various human driven transports. They are very successful migrants and have established populations in Africa, Asia, Europe and North America.

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2/13/2011 8:43:53 AM

Tammy M. Anderson
BetterPhoto Member Since: 8/13/2007