Geckos are some of the most recognizable reptiles in the world. From their wide-eyed expressions to their gravity-defying climbs, these little lizards have fascinated people for centuries. But if you’ve ever wondered about the science behind them, you might ask: What family do geckos belong to?
The Main Family: Gekkonidae
Geckos primarily belong to the family Gekkonidae. This is the largest and most well-known family of geckos, encompassing hundreds of species found across the globe. Members of this family are often what people picture when they think of a gecko—small, agile lizards with sticky toe pads that let them scale vertical surfaces with ease.
Common species in the Gekkonidae family include:
- House geckos (Hemidactylus spp.)
- Tokay geckos (Gekko gecko)
- Mediterranean geckos (Hemidactylus turcicus)
These geckos are often nocturnal, vocal, and highly adaptable to human environments.
Other Gecko Families
While Gekkonidae is the primary family, it’s not the only one. In fact, geckos are part of the suborder Gekkota, which includes several families:
- Eublepharidae: Known as the eyelid geckos, this group includes the popular leopard gecko. Unlike most geckos, these have movable eyelids and lack sticky toe pads.
- Diplodactylidae: Found mainly in Australia and New Zealand, these geckos come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
- Phyllodactylidae: Also called leaf-toed geckos, they are found in regions like the Mediterranean, North Africa, and the Americas.
- Sphaerodactylidae: These are typically tiny geckos found in tropical areas.
- Pygopodidae: Technically legless geckos, they resemble snakes but are part of the gecko lineage.
Each of these families has its own evolutionary history and adaptations, contributing to the incredible diversity of geckos found around the world.
Why This Matters
Knowing which family a gecko belongs to can tell you a lot about its behavior, habitat, and even how to care for it if it’s a pet. For example, geckos in the Gekkonidae family are generally arboreal and thrive in humid environments, while Eublepharidae geckos are more terrestrial and prefer dry conditions.
In Summary
To answer the question, geckos primarily belong to the family Gekkonidae, but the full picture is a bit more complex. The suborder Gekkota includes several other families, each with unique traits that make geckos one of the most diverse and fascinating groups of reptiles on the planet.
Whether you’re a budding herpetologist or just curious about the lizards on your porch, understanding their family tree adds a whole new layer to appreciating these amazing animals.