LIZARDS 



167 



■Krnl, F.Z.S 



MADEIRAN GECKOS 



AlaiJfiran geckos photographed through a g/uss lUttidoiL'-pane^ ihoit'tng the peculiar formatlor: of their adheu-ve toe-pa Ji. One example ii 

 regroiving its recently amputated tail. These geckos often travel from Aladeira to Co'vent Garden Alarket among banana bunches 



distinct vocal sounds. The name Gecko is, in point of fact, derix'cd from the fancied resemblance 

 to the word that constitutes the shrill, somewhat bird-like note of one of the most familiar 

 species. " Tok," " toki," "chick, chick," " checko," and " tocktoo " are distinctive call-notes 

 that are respectively associated with other members of the Gecko Family. 



The geckos are most numerous!}- represented in the Indian and Australasian regions. None 

 of them attain to large dimensions. They rarely exceed i foot in total length, and most 

 frequently measure some 3 or 4 inches only. 



Geckos, in common with many other lizards, are notable for the facility with which their 

 tail becomes detached and left in the hands of their would-be captor. In course of time a 

 new tail sprouts out from the truncated stump of the original member, and within a few more 

 months equals it in dimensions. It not infrequentl}' happens that two or even three new 

 tail-sprouts take the place of the original appendage, imparting to the little creature a most 

 bizarre appearance. The above photograph includes an example of the Madeiran species in 

 which a new tail-bud of a normal character has just commenced to grow. 



The nearest approach to the phenomenon of flight among lizards occurs in what are known 

 as the Flying-dragons, belonging to the family of the Agamas, which next invites attention. 

 These lizards are all of relatively small size, not exceeding a few inches in length, and inhabit 

 the Indo-Malayan region. In these singularly specialised forms si.x or seven of the posterior 

 ribs are abnormally produced on each side of the body, and so united together b\' thin, semi- 

 transparent membrane as to form a pair of wing-like expansions. When not in use, these 

 structures are folded, after the manner of a fan, closel\' against the animal's sides, while, when 

 extended, the}' constitute a most eftective parachute, wherewith the little creatures accomplish 

 flying leaps from tree to tree, after the manner of the Fl\'ing-squirrels and Phalangers. The 



