Crested Gecko. Photo by author

Monday, May 9, 2011

The Worlds Largest Gecko



The largest known gecko is found in the genus Rhacodactylus.   Rhacodactylus leachianus, also known as the giant gecko can reach over 15 inches and weigh around one pound.  Giant geckos tend to have a smaller tail compared to the body size, with 3/4ths of the gecko is head and body (Black). 

There are 2 subspecies of giant geckos, one found on Grande Terre (Rhacodactylus leachianus leachianus), and the other found on Isle of Pines (Rhacodactylus leachianus henkeli).  Due to them being in isolated areas on the islands the genetics gave them seperate color variations and one has a longer tail than the other (Black).  Dividing them into seprate species.  Both of these geckos do thrive in rainforest on the islands. 


Giant geckos are also known for their communication with one another and also as defensive mechanism to scary the predator.  They will make rapid clucking noises, whistling noises and sometimes growling noises (Black). 

Black, Adam. Crested geckos. Neptune City: T.F.H. Publications, 2005. Print

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