Observations on a few Species of Geckos. 



537 



1864.] 



lias given them remarkable peculiarities, admirably adapting them for 

 capturing their prey. I allude to the extraordinary power they 

 possess of changing their colours, so as to adapt themselves to the various 

 localities which they frequent, and by which their complete conceal- 

 ment is effected. In Gecko Chameleon for instance, when in dark places, 

 or in the earlier part of the day, the colour is almost black with red 

 marlrings, and this remains under ordinary circumstances till nearly mid- 

 day, when a gradual change takes place, and the dark hue gives way to 

 an intense emerald green on the body, with a bright blue on the tail, the 

 under surface becoming of a fine canary yellow, and the red marks still 

 remaining on the back. By one or two o'clock, the change of colour is 

 complete, and the animal sallies forth from his dark place of conceal- 

 ment, on to the bright green leaves of trees, in quest of insects : but the 

 change of colour may take place at any time during the day, according 

 to circumstances of position and light ; for if one of the green coloured 

 lizards be placed in a dark spot, the colour changes to a dark hue, in 

 the same ratio that the dark animal becomes green when placed in the 

 sun, or in a strong light on the leaves of trees. The change of colour 

 is also influenced by the seasons, for during the rains the change is not 

 so rapid as it is in brighter weather. 



The casting of the skin is of frequent occurrence with all the G-eckos, 

 but particularly so with Gecko Chameleon, and, strange to say, other 

 lizards in the same case, devour the skin as soon as it is cast : in many 

 instances I have even seen them tear it off before it was fairly changed. 

 All Geckos are great water-drinkers ; they drink by lapping with their 

 tongues like dogs ; it is therefore very necessary to keep the little tin 

 trough in their cage constantly supplied with water^ Insects should also 

 be kept in their boxes to satisfy their voracious appetites. Though 

 insect-eaters, and at times greedy and voracious, still they are capable 

 of enduring hunger for a considerable length of time, without seeming 

 to suffer any inconvenience from it. One of the most marvellous traits 

 in the habit of the Gecko, is its power of frequently and most rapidly 

 changing its colour, and also its markings, to suit the places it may be 

 in ; I have seen an animal become, from a light straw~colour,%peckled 

 all over with dark marks ; and perhaps in another instant of time 

 almost black or a light slate. 'No chameleon can change more rapidly 

 or perfectly than the gecko. In Gecko chameleon, the change is more 

 apparent and striking, owing simply to the contrast between an almost 



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