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prettygoodwordgecko (GEK-oh) - n., any of numerous small, mostly nocturnal tropical and subtropical lizards (family Gekkonidae) usually having toe pads that can cling to smooth vertical surfaces.
Most geckos cannot blink, but they often lick their eyes to keep them clean and moist. Most are insectivorous, and the group known as house geckos (genus Hemidactylus) readily adapt to living with humans, and most places where they range are welcomed into houses to help control insect populations. The word arrived in English around 1710 from Dutch gekko, from whence its origin is uncertain but often alleged to be a Malay word imitative of one species's call.
The one that hangs around our porch light and distracts the kitties is the Western banded gecko (Coleonyx variegatus), which is generally silent:
Thanks, WikiMedia!
And that wraps up a week of lizards. Thwip!
---L.
Most geckos cannot blink, but they often lick their eyes to keep them clean and moist. Most are insectivorous, and the group known as house geckos (genus Hemidactylus) readily adapt to living with humans, and most places where they range are welcomed into houses to help control insect populations. The word arrived in English around 1710 from Dutch gekko, from whence its origin is uncertain but often alleged to be a Malay word imitative of one species's call.
The one that hangs around our porch light and distracts the kitties is the Western banded gecko (Coleonyx variegatus), which is generally silent:
Thanks, WikiMedia!
And that wraps up a week of lizards. Thwip!
---L.
