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July 30, 2026Short & citedBlog
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Field Notes • Reptile

Gecko

Geckos are a diverse group of mostly small, usually nocturnal lizards in the suborder Gekkota.

Updated July 30, 20261 min readCited sources

Geckos are a diverse group of lizards in the suborder Gekkota. They are found in warm climates around the world and are known for their climbing adaptations and insect-eating habits.

What it is

Geckos belong to the suborder Gekkota and include nearly 2,000 described species. They are generally small lizards with soft skin, a short body, and well-developed limbs. Size ranges from about 1.6 cm to 67 cm.

Where and how they live

Geckos inhabit warm regions on every continent except Antarctica. They occupy deserts, forests, jungles, and even human buildings. Most are nocturnal and feed on insects, making them important for insect control.

Geckos in Canada

Geckos are not native to most of Canada's outdoors because they need warm climates. However, they are familiar to Canadians through the pet trade, zoos, and educational exhibits.

In short

  • Geckos are lizards, not snakes.
  • Nearly 2,000 species exist worldwide.
  • Most are nocturnal and eat insects.
  • Not native to Canada but common in pet trade.
Canadian angle

Geckos are not native to most of Canada’s outdoors because they generally require warm climates, but they are familiar to Canadian readers through the pet trade, zoos, and educational exhibits.

Quick questions

What is a gecko?
A gecko is a lizard in the suborder Gekkota.
Where do geckos live?
Geckos live in warm regions on every continent except Antarctica.
Are geckos found in Canada?
Geckos are not native to Canada's outdoors, but they are kept as pets and seen in zoos.

Sources

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gecko
    Supports: General description, distribution, size range, and species richness.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannicahttps://www.britannica.com/animal/gecko
    Supports: Taxonomy, general physical traits, habitats, and diet.
  3. Encyclopedia.comhttps://www.encyclopedia.com/science/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/geckos
    Supports: Nocturnal habits, insectivory, size, and vocal ability.