Geckos are arguably the most charismatic and bizarre family in the reptile world. They are the only lizards that can vocalize, many can climb glass, and some have superpowers that seem pulled straight from a comic book.
Here are the most fascinating fun facts about geckos, organized by their unique traits.
1. Their Feet Use “Atomic” Physics
You probably know geckos can stick to walls, but they don’t use glue or suction cups. They use molecular physics.
- Van der Waals Forces: Gecko toes are covered in millions of microscopic hairs called setae These hairs are so small that they interact with the surface at a molecular level, creating a temporary electromagnetic attraction (Van der Waals force).
- The Teflon Exception: Because this bond relies on molecular interaction, the only surface a gecko cannot stick to is dry Teflon (PTFE).
- Self-Cleaning: Their feet are self-cleaning. As they walk, dirt particles are shed naturally, keeping their “sticky” pads effective for their entire lives.
2. Most Can’t Blink (So They Lick)
If you have ever seen a gecko lick its own eyeball, it’s not just being weird—it’s cleaning its “glasses.”
- No Eyelids: The vast majority of geckos (like the Crested Gecko or Day Gecko) do not have eyelids.
- The Exception: One family of geckos, the Eublepharidae, does have eyelids. The most famous pet gecko, the Leopard Gecko, belongs to this group and can blink just like you.
3. Tail Tricks & Bizarre Defenses
You likely know geckos can drop their tails (autotomy) to distract predators, but a gecko’s tail is often where they store fat reserves. A gecko losing its tail is essentially losing its lunch box.