Home»All Photographs»Events & Activities»National Geographic - DC»Gecko Exhibit - Nat'l Geographic Museum 9/23/2010

On Thursday evening, September 23, my wife and I were privileged to join with other invited bloggers and photographers to view and to photograph the National Geographic Museum's latest exhibit: Geckos: Tails to Toepads.

This is a fabulously presented exhibit and I heartily recommend seeing it. The displays are stunning and the presentation of information is mesmerizing and enough to keep anyone fascinated. There is a children's area as well.

Geckos are small to average sized lizards belonging to the family Gekkonidae, found in warm climates throughout the world. Geckos are unique among lizards in their vocalizations, making chirping sounds in social interactions with other geckos.

An estimated 2,000 different species of geckos exist worldwide, with many likely yet to be discovered. The name stems from the Indonesian /Javanese word Tokek, inspired by the sound these animals make.

All geckos, excluding the Eublepharinae family, have no eyelids and instead have a transparent membrane which they lick to clean. Many species are well known for their specialized toe pads that enable them to climb smooth and vertical surfaces, and even cross indoor ceilings with ease.

Many species will, in defense, expel a foul-smelling material and feces onto their aggressors. There are also many species that will drop their tails in defense, a process called autotomy.