Geckos are small to medium-sized reptiles that look a lot like lizards—and for good reason. They belong to the same reptile class and the order Squamata. What makes geckos especially recognizable are their large eyes, wide range of colors (from bold patterns to near-perfect camouflage), and— in many species—specialized toe pads with microscopic lamellae that help them cling to walls and climb with ease.
Today, geckos are grouped into several major families and include well over a thousand species worldwide. Below you’ll find a clear overview of what geckos are, the main gecko families, their typical characteristics, and representative species.
What Are Geckos?
Geckos belong to the phylum Chordata, class Sauropsida, order Squamata. They vary widely in size, habitat, and lifestyle, but many share a few general traits:
General Characteristics of Geckos
Highly diverse colors and patterns, often tied to camouflage or habitat.
Body plan typically includes a head, trunk, and a long tail.
Diet is commonly insect-based (many are insectivores), though some also eat fruit or nectar.
Global distribution on every continent except Antarctica.
Average lifespan for many species is around 10–15 years, depending on species and conditions.
Carphodactylidae (Southern Padless Geckos)
This family is often known for geckos that lack adhesive toe pads. They are endemic to Australia and include some of the largest geckos found there.
Key Traits
Mostly live in humid forests of northeastern Australia, though some occur in drier regions.
Use curved claws for grip instead of sticky pads.
Primarily nocturnal.
Oviparous (egg-laying), often producing up to two eggs per clutch.
Behavior varies by species, from shy to more defensive.
Examples of Species
Nephrurus amyae
Nephrurus asper
Nephrurus deleani
Phyllurus amnicola
Phyllurus caudiannulatus
Phyllurus championae
Saltuarius cornutus
Saltuarius eximius
Underwoodisaurus milii
Underwoodisaurus seorsus
Diplodactylidae
Species in this family occur mainly in Australia, New Zealand, and New Caledonia. The group includes many genera and well over a hundred species, with lifestyles ranging from rainforest dwellers to cooler-climate specialists.
Key Traits
Many live in trees and vegetation-rich habitats, including tropical forests.
Often thrive in warm temperatures around 24–29°C, though some tolerate cooler conditions.
Many species have adhesive toe pads for climbing.
Reproduction varies, and some species are described as live-bearing in certain lineages.
Examples of Species
Amalosia jacovae
Amalosia lesueurii
Amalosia obscura
Dactylocnemis pacificus
Hoplodactylus delcourti
Hoplodactylus duvaucelii
Hoplodactylus tohu
Naultinus elegans
Naultinus gemmeus
Naultinus grayii
Eublepharidae (Eyelid Geckos)
Eublepharidae are often called eyelid geckos because they have movable eyelids, a feature many other geckos lack. This family occurs across parts of North America, Africa, and Asia.
Key Traits
No adhesive toe pads, so they are less specialized for climbing smooth surfaces.
Movable eyelids, unlike many geckos that have a transparent “spectacle” over the eye.
Females often lay around two eggs per clutch.
In several species, incubation temperature can influence hatchling sex.
Examples of Species
Aeluroscalabotes felinus
Goniurosaurus araneus
Goniurosaurus bawanglingensis
Goniurosaurus catbaensis
Goniurosaurus chengzheng
Holodactylus africanus
Holodactylus cornii
Hemitheconyx caudicinctus
Hemitheconyx taylori
Coleonyx brevis
Gekkonidae (Typical Geckos)
Gekkonidae is one of the largest and most widespread gecko families. Many species occur in warm regions with regular rainfall, and some have adapted well to human environments.
Key Traits
Many species use loud vocalizations, especially during mating or territorial interactions.
Often help control insect and spider populations in their ecosystems.
Many have adhesive toe pads and can climb walls, tree trunks, and ceilings.
Some species commonly live near houses or in urban areas where insects gather.
Examples of Species
Chondrodactylus angulifer
Chondrodactylus bibronii
Chondrodactylus fitzsimonsi
Perochirus ateles
Perochirus guentheri
Perochirus scutellatus
Tenuidactylus bogdanovi
Tenuidactylus caspius
Tenuidactylus dadunensis
Ailuronyx seychellensis
Phyllodactylidae (Leaf-Toed Geckos)
Phyllodactylidae are commonly called leaf-toed geckos due to the shape of their digits in many species. They occur in Africa, Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East and are known for small body sizes and varied patterns.
Key Traits
Often small and highly patterned, with strong camouflage in rocky or arid habitats.
Digit shape can appear widened or “leaf-like” in some species.
Found in diverse environments, from cliffs and deserts to coastal zones.
Examples of Species
Asaccus andersoni
Asaccus caudivolvulus
Haemodracon riebeckii
Haemodracon trachyrhinus
Phyllopezus lutzae
Phyllopezus maranjonensis
Tarentola albertschwartzi
Tarentola americana
Tarentola angustimentalis
Phyllodactylus angelensis
Pygopodidae (Legless Geckos)
Pygopodidae are among the most unusual “geckos” because they are legless and can look very similar to snakes. They occur mainly in Australia and New Guinea.
Key Traits
No visible legs, giving them a snake-like appearance.
Often have a flattened tongue.
No movable eyelids in many species.
Move through grasses and leaf litter using body undulation and specialized scales.
Examples of Species
Aprasia aurita
Aprasia clairae
Aprasia haroldi
Aprasia inaurita
Aprasia litorea
Aprasia repens
Aprasia rostrata
Aprasia smithi
Aprasia striolata
Aprasia wicherina
Sphaerodactylidae (Dwarf Geckos and Allies)
This family includes many small-bodied geckos found across the Americas, Africa, Europe, and parts of Asia. They often differ from wall-climbing geckos because many lack specialized adhesive toe pads.
Key Traits
Many species are diurnal (active in daylight).
Round pupils are common.
Eyelids typically do not move in the same way as eyelid geckos.
Usually no digital lamellae (no sticky pads), so they rely on claws and substrate grip.
Examples of Species
Aristelliger barbouri
Aristelliger cochranae
Aristelliger expectatus
Coleodactylus brachystoma
Coleodactylus elizae
Gonatodes albogularis
Gonatodes alexandermendesi
Quedenfeldtia moerens
Quedenfeldtia trachyblepharus
Teratoscincus bedriagai
Why Gecko Families Matter
Grouping geckos by family helps explain why some species climb glass, others stay grounded, and some even resemble snakes. Toe pads, eyelids, habitat preferences, and activity patterns are not random—they reflect different evolutionary strategies that allow geckos to thrive in deserts, forests, cliffs, cities, and tropical islands around the world.
