Fat-Tailed Geckos & Lizards

• The tails of fat-tailed geckos store fat for lean times.
• “If you grab a gecko (or many other types of lizard, for that matter) by the tail, you are also likely to be left holding a tail while the gecko goes merrily on its way,” says McLeod. These creatures can drop their tails with minimal injury as a means of self-defense. (Their tails will grow back, but will usually be stubbier).
• Scientists are currently trying to develop a way to duplicate the toe-pads of certain geckos, because they adhere to surfaces very well, which is why some lizards are such excellent climbers.

Zach the Fat-Tailed Gecko

pet appropriate?

Before you rush off to a reputable exotic pet vendor, remember that most of these creatures are not well suited for young children. Guerin suggests that kids around 10 or 12 years of age might be ready for an exotic pet, but it really depends on the maturity of the individual child. “A pet’s not a great thing for a kid if they can’t remember to do the basic chores,” she says. And though insects might seem like interesting pets, D’Eschambeault recommends satisfying the curiosity of future entomologists in other ways. “Make your own observation ant hill, capture crickets to hear them sing and build a box to carry them around, find and feed a caterpillar so that you can witness the metamorphosis,” she recommends. “As long as the insects are put back in nature afterwards to ensure protection of their diversity, these are fun ways to learn about these captivating bugs!”