|
|
Gekkos are small sweet animals which normally live in the roofs and ceilings of older houses, especially the traditional Canarian style wooden roofs. They are harmless and will keep out of your way. They spend their time sleeping and creeping around and catching the odd insect. They leave small droppings which may fall down from the roof. The droppings are generally black with a small white 'tail' which distinguishes them from mouse droppings.
They have a marvelous system of pads on their feet which enables them to hang upside down and walk on tiled and glass surfaces. If they should happen to walk on a surface such as cloth they curl their toes upwards to avoid contact with the surface.
Having a gekko in the house is said to bring good luck. |
 |
Baby gekko |
| |
 |
Baby gekko |
| |
 |
Sometimes a gekko will lose its tail in a fight. The tails detach easily and grow back again later, which cab often be seen by the change in thickness and colour. |
| |
 |
With luck, patience and soft fruit gekkos can be tempted down from their usual hiding places in the roof. Big eyes and padded feet. |
| |
 |
Gekkos don't seem to have learned table manners! Obviously the apple is tastier on the other side. |
| |
 |
Gekko preparing to launch a surprise attack on the apple sauce. They generally move in short spurts and stop and stare for ages. |
| |
 |
Short-sighted gekko?
If gekkos get to trust people they may come down to help with the work ;-) |
| |
 |
Gekkos might help with the accounts. |
| |
 |
Gekko might even make a few calls! |
| |
 |
And some gekkos just love music! |
| |
 |
Gekko on the outside of a window, looking for a way in. |
| |
 |
Gekkos have large eyes on the sides of their heads and a pink tongue. |
| |
 |
Gekkos can lose their tails in a fight. It will then gradually regenerate, often with a different colour. |
| |
 |
Gekko preparing to attack a particularly dangerous looking grape. |
| |
 |
At first the gekko bites (gums?) the grape and throws it around to make sure that it is dead. |
| |
 |
The gekko takes its time licking a grape. It stood perfectly still except for its darting tongue for about 5 minutes.
Note that the toes are turned up when their suction power is not needed. |
| |
 |
The gekko licking a grape. |
| |
 |
Acrobatics while checking that the coast is clear before diving in to the bowl. Two people and a video camera were obviously no threat! |
| |
 |
Mmmmmmm ..... grape juice. |
| |
 |
Gekko trying to climb a thin fishing line supporting chimes. After a few attempts it managed to spring across to the wall. |
| |
 |
Gekkos love soft fruit ... especially peach. |
| |
 |
Who are you smiling at !!? |
| |
 |
Gekko licking jam. Note the toes are curled up because no grip is needed. |
| |
|
