Smith's green-eyed gecko facts for kids
Smith's green-eyed gecko, also called the large forest gecko, is a type of lizard that belongs to the Gekkonidae family. These amazing geckos live in the forests of Southeast Asia and Indonesia.
Quick facts for kids Smith's green-eyed gecko |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| in hunter's cage from Upper Seruyan, Central Kalimantan |
|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Gekko
|
| Species: |
smithii
|
 |
|
Contents
About Smith's Green-Eyed Gecko
Smith's green-eyed gecko is one of the largest geckos in the world. It can grow to be about 35 centimeters (14 inches) long, including its tail. Its body, without the tail, can be around 19 centimeters (7.5 inches) long.
How it Got its Name
The scientific name, smithii, honors a Scottish zoologist named Andrew Smith. He lived from 1797 to 1872 and was important for starting the South African Museum.
Geckos That Look Alike
Some other geckos look very similar to Smith's green-eyed gecko. These include Gekko taylori and Gekko gecko. There are also Gekko verreauxii from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Gekko siamensis from central Thailand.
Where These Geckos Live
You can find Smith's green-eyed gecko in many parts of Southeast Asia. They live in southern Thailand, Singapore, and western Malaysia. They are also found in Myanmar (Burma), the Nicobar Islands in India, and Indonesia. In Indonesia, they live on islands like Borneo, Sumatra, Pulau Nias, and Java. The first place this gecko was officially found was "Prince of Wales' Island" in West Malaysia.
Their Home in the Wild
These geckos love to live in forests. This is their natural habitat, where they can find food and stay safe.
What They Eat
Smith's green-eyed geckos are predators. They mostly eat insects, especially grasshoppers.
Reproduction and Eggs
When a female Smith's green-eyed gecko is old enough, she will lay two eggs at a time. These eggs are almost round. On average, each egg measures about 20 by 19 millimeters (0.79 by 0.75 inches).
