What Is The Difference Between Geckos And Lizards? Are They Same 

As I embarked on a journey to explore the fascinating world of reptiles, I found myself captivated by two distinct members of the same family: geckos and lizards. These creatures, often sharing our living spaces yet hidden in plain sight, hold secrets that set them apart in the animal kingdom.

Here are the top differences: 

Geckos:

• They are small to medium-sized reptiles.
• Known for adhesive toe pads that allow climbing walls and ceilings.
• Typically nocturnal and primarily eats insects and invertebrates.

Lizards:

• They have elongated bodies and scaly skin.
• Adaptations include regenerating tails and color-changing abilities.
• Diet varies but includes insects, small vertebrates, and plants.

In this exploration, I will take you on a journey to understand the captivating distinctions between these two reptilian wonders, shedding light on their unique traits, habitats, and lifestyles.

Gecko vs Lizard 

Characteristic	Lizards	Geckos
Kingdom	Animalia	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata	Chordata
Superclass	Tetrapoda	Tetrapoda
Class	Reptilia	Reptilia
Order	Squamata	Squamata
Suborder	Lacertilia	Lacertilia
Groups	Anguimorpha, Iguania, Lacertoidea, Scincomorpha	Gekkota
Families	Various	Pygopodidae, Carphodactylidae, Diplodactylidae, Eublepharidae, Sphaerodactylidae, Gekkonidae, Phyllodactylidae
Species	Over 6000 species	About 1650 species
Climate	Varied, can be found in nearly all types of climates	Warm Climates
Nocturnal	Most are not nocturnal	Are usually nocturnal; sleeping during the day and hunting for insects at night
Food	Vegetables, Fruits, Insects, Rodents, Small Mammals, etc.	Primarily insects
Size	Vary, can be as small as 1.6 cm (0.64 inches) to as large as 3 m (10 feet)	Smaller than other lizards, ranging from 1.6 to 60 cm (0.64 to 24 inches)
Eyes	Varies. Most have eyelids, however, some types of lizards like geckos do not.	Do not have eyelids; instead, they lick their eye to keep them clean and moist
Skin	Most have dry and scaly skin	thin with small bumps on it
Toes	Some have broad toes, and others have narrow toes	Have broad toes and are double-jointed
Toe Pads	Most do not have adhesive toe pads and cannot stick to walk on walls, windows, or ceilings	About 60% of species have adhesive toe pads that allow them to adhere to most surfaces such as walls, glass windows, and even ceilings
Tails	Some species can detach and then grow back their tails. Most cannot.	Can detach and then grow back their tails
Vocalize	Most  are not vocal; only a small number can vocalize	Most are vocal and are often even named for the sound they make. One of the common sounds they make sounds like a gecko, which is where they acquire their name
Reproduction	Some  lay eggs in a nest. Others may give birth after hatching their eggs inside the body	Almost all geckos lay eggs
Pet	Popular pet species include iguanas, bearded dragons, tegus, and monitor lizards.	Leopard and Crested are common pets.
Lifespan	typically live for one to three years	averaging 5 to 7 years.
Origin	around 200 million years ago.	Originating in North Africa, the common gecko was unintentionally transported by people to southern France, the Canary Islands, and even some South Pacific islands.
Habitant	There are many different types of habitats, such as deserts, forests, grasslands, and water bodies	found in a variety of environments, including tropical rainforests, deserts, and cities
Relation	Since the term “lizard” also refers to a wide variety of other species, not all lizards are geckos.	Geckoes are all lizards

Commonalities between Geckos and Lizards:

• Both belong to the class Reptilia, share the Squamata order, and fall under the suborder Lacertilia.
• Both have four legs and are cold-blooded, relying on external sources to regulate body temperature.
• Some species in both groups can change their skin color for camouflage.
• A few species in both geckos and lizards can regenerate lost tails.
• Only a limited number of species in both groups have been identified as venomous.

FAQs

Is a gecko a lizard or a salamander?

A gecko is a type of lizard, not a salamander.

2. What are geckos lizards called?

Geckos are simply referred to as “geckos” in common language.

3. What does a gecko look like?

Geckos typically have a small to medium-sized body with soft skin and distinct adhesive toe pads that help them climb walls and ceilings. They come in various colors and patterns.

4. How big are gecko lizards?

The size of geckos varies, but they are generally small to medium-sized reptiles, ranging from a few centimeters to around 60 centimeters (approximately 2.5 feet) in length, depending on the species.

Final words

When I observe geckos and lizards, it’s quite clear how they differ from one another. Geckos, those small to medium-sized reptiles, stand out because of their remarkable ability to cling to walls and even walk on ceilings. This is possible thanks to their unique toe pads. They are mostly active at night, and their preferred menu consists of insects and small invertebrates.

On the other hand, lizards have distinct features like elongated bodies and scaly skin. What’s intriguing about some is their capability to grow back lost tails or change their skin color to blend into their surroundings. In terms of diet, they have a broader menu, including insects, small animals, and even plants.

In essence, geckos are like skilled nighttime climbers with a taste for insects, while lizards are versatile creatures that can adapt through tail regeneration and color change, while enjoying a variety of foods.