Mourning geckos are nocturnal so it’s a bit unusual to see one, especially an adult, out and about in daylight. That this one was sporting a still raw stump of a tail suggests it was ousted from its daytime resting place, losing its tail in the process. I say ‘its’ tail, but I could confidently say ‘her’ tail, since mourning geckos are an all-female species, reproducing through parthenogenesis.
For more information about geckos, go to geckoweb.org.
When I first saw this gecko it had already snagged the stick insect and was fending off a larger gecko that had taken an interest. It scurried up the wall with its prize and, the last I saw, was preparing to deliver last rites.
This little mourning gecko has already been in the wars, having lost most of its tail. The tail will grow back. Geckos can shed their tails as a defensive mechanism, the idea being that the discarded tail, still wiggling, distracts an attacker long enough for the gecko to escape.
There seems to be a regular gecko cycle in the house. A new batch of eggs hatch and the number of baby geckos jumps. They can be seen scurrying over the walls and ceilings with great industry, if no apparent purpose. Over the next few days, their numbers decline until only an odd one or two are seen. Then, a couple of weeks later, a new batch hatches and off they go again.
They seem to succumb to three things: failure to find enough food, getting eaten by larger geckos, and being squashed by the large feet of yours truly. They’re hard to spot on the floor, especially in low light.
For more information about geckos, go to geckoweb.org.
What’s this then?
Perhaps it hasn’t seen me.
Should I or shouldn’t I?
Here goes.
So far, so good.
Rats!
This gecko initially wasn’t quite sure what to make of such a large moth (that’s a 2×4 the moth is sitting on). But geckos are nothing if not optimists and dreams of glory spurred him on (well, I like to think so.). Ultimately a case of so near, and yet so far.
A young gold dust day gecko emerges, with some trepidation, from between weathered boards on the lanai.
For more information about geckos, go to geckoweb.org.
Gold dust day geckos are not endemic to Hawaii. A native of Madagascar, Hawaii’s population stems from the release of 8 geckos by a student on the University of Hawaii campus in 1974. It’s not known if beer was involved.
While this makes the gold dust day gecko something of an invasive species, it’s hard to feel bitter about such an endearing little creature. With their striking coloration, they can be seen sticking to any surface or zipping about whether they’re right side up or upside down. They’re not bothered by close examination, usually just staring back with a goofy expression. Turn away though, and they can be gone in an instant.
This gecko was engrossed by the potential of this pink banana. Not sure if it was looking for water, nectar, or the possibility of insects within.
For more information about this and other geckos, go to geckoweb.org.
Graham's Island 