Gargoyle gecko facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gargoyle gecko |
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| Conservation status | |
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| Genus: |
Rhacodactylus
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| Species: |
auriculatus
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The gargoyle gecko (Rhacodactylus auriculatus) is a unique type of gecko. It's also known as the knob-headed giant gecko or New Caledonia bumpy gecko. These geckos live only on the southern part of an island called New Caledonia. Sadly, their home is shrinking because of deforestation.
This gecko is the smallest of the six known species in its group. They usually grow to about 125 mm (5 inches) long. Scientists are thinking about protecting this gecko and others like it. This would limit how many can be taken out of New Caledonia. The gargoyle gecko was first described by a scientist named Bavay in 1869.
Description
This reptile gets its common name, "gargoyle gecko," from the small bumps on its head. These bumps look a bit like horns or ears. In fact, the word auriculatus means "eared" in Latin.
Gargoyle geckos also have a thin tail that can grab onto things. If they lose their tail, it can grow back! They also have small sticky pads on their toes. These pads help them grip vines, branches, and other surfaces. However, unlike some other geckos, they usually can't climb perfectly smooth surfaces like glass.
When they hatch, these geckos are tiny, about one inch long (not including the tail) and weighing only 3 grams. As adults, they typically grow to be 7 to 9 inches long and weigh between 60 to 70 grams. They are considered a small to medium-sized gecko.
Behavior
Gargoyle geckos are mostly active at night, which means they are nocturnal. They live in trees and bushes, making them an arboreal species. Their home is usually in scrub forests.
In their natural home in southern New Caledonia, gargoyle geckos eat a varied diet. Studies show they regularly eat many different kinds of insects and spiders. They also eat other lizards, like smaller geckos and skinks. Besides animals, they also munch on parts of plants, including flowers and tree sap.
These geckos can jump quite far, almost three times their body length! This helps them reach another vine or branch. Their feet are not as sticky as some other geckos, so they might slip sometimes, which can make them seem a bit clumsy. Moving around is easy for them as long as their skin stays moist. Their skin can stretch to help them move freely.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Female gargoyle geckos usually lay two eggs at a time. These eggs hatch about 60 to 90 days after they are laid. A female gecko can lay eight or nine sets of eggs each year. Sometimes, though it's rare, gargoyle geckos can reproduce without a male. This is called parthenogenesis.
Gargoyle Geckos as Pets
Many people enjoy keeping gargoyle geckos as pets. They come in a wide range of colors, including different shades of gray, brown, white, yellow, orange, and red. They also have various patterns, like blotches or stripes. Just like many other pet geckos, they are often bred in captivity to get specific colors and patterns.
Images for kids
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Red striped morph juvenile gargoyle gecko
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Juvenile gargoyle gecko
