8 



REPTILE GALLERY, 



[Case 11.] The Geckonidce, or Geckos, are Lizards of small size, the largest 

 measuring about a foot, and have always attracted attention by 

 their possessing the faculty of ascending smooth surfaces, or even of 

 running on the ceilings of rooms like a fly. For this purpose the 



Fig. :;. 



Head of Gecko verticUlatua (East Indies). 



lower surface of their toes is provided with a series of movable 

 plates or disks, by the aid of which they adhere to the surface over 

 which they pass. Geckos are found in almost every part of the globe 

 between and near the tropics, frequenting houses, rocks, and trees. 



Fig. -J. 



Hind leg of Gecko verticillatus. 



With few exceptions they are nocturnal, and consequently large- 

 eyed, animals, the pupil being generally contracted in a vertical 

 direction. Geckos are extremely useful in destroying insects, and, 

 though greatly feared by those not acquainted with their habits, are 

 perfectly harmless. Nearly all Geckos possess a voice ; and the 



