Gecko vs. Lizard — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 5, 2023
A Gecko is a small, nocturnal lizard with adhesive pads on its feet, while Lizard is a broad term for reptiles in the suborder Lacertilia, which may or may not have adhesive pads.
Difference Between Gecko and Lizard
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Geckos represent a subgroup within the larger, more inclusive category known as lizards. While all geckos are lizards, not all lizards are geckos. The term "Lizard" encompasses a diverse array of reptiles in the suborder Lacertilia, with varied shapes, sizes, and characteristics. Geckos, on the contrary, form a specific group identified by unique traits, including adhesive toe pads, and often, a lack of eyelids.
Lizards, within their extensive and varied suborder, showcase a myriad of physical characteristics and adaptive traits, such as varied scale types, dietary preferences, and habitat choices. In stark contrast, geckos, while also varied, are distinctly recognized for their nocturnal behaviors and vocalizations, features not universal among lizards. Lizards are, therefore, a vastly more diverse group when compared to geckos.
Geckos are renowned for their incredible ability to adhere to surfaces, attributed to the intricate structures on their toe pads. This specific trait, while characteristic of geckos, is not a standard feature among lizards. While lizards demonstrate a wide variety of adaptive traits suitable to their respective environments, the ability to scale vertical surfaces with ease is distinctly a gecko specialization.
The term "Lizard" forms an umbrella, enveloping various species, including geckos, under its categorization, indicative of its broader, more general application. Geckos, while encapsulated within the lizard category, are distinguished by definitive features and behaviors, signaling a subgroup with distinct, universally recognized attributes. The relationship between lizards and geckos, therefore, underscores the principle of all geckos being lizards, but not all lizards qualifying as geckos.
While lizards may inhabit a variety of ecosystems, demonstrating an array of adaptive behaviors and physical characteristics suitable to specific environments, geckos are bound by a more stringent set of characteristics that define them. Though they too exhibit diversity, the defining characteristics of geckos, such as vocalization, adhesive toes, and often nocturnal habits, distinctly set them apart within the larger lizard classification.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Classification
Specific group within lizards
Broad category of reptiles
Adhesive Toe Pads
Typically present
Not universally present
Nocturnal Habits
Commonly nocturnal
Can be nocturnal or diurnal
Vocalizations
Often vocalize
Typically do not vocalize
Eyelids
Often lack eyelids
Typically have eyelids
Compare with Definitions
Gecko
A small tropical lizard known for adhesive toe pads.
The gecko effortlessly climbed the vertical glass window.
Lizard
A scaly reptile with a long tail, typically four-legged.
The lizard basked in the sun, soaking up the warmth.
Gecko
A reptile known for its vocal chirping and ability to walk on ceilings.
The gecko amazed the children by walking upside down on the ceiling.
Lizard
A cold-blooded vertebrate belonging to the Squamata order.
The desert is home to various lizard species adapted to its harsh conditions.
Gecko
A lizard species that primarily eats insects and has large, round eyes.
The gecko's eyes seemed to glow in the dim light as it hunted for insects.
Lizard
A widespread group of reptiles varying in size and habitat.
From tiny skinks to large monitors, lizards are an incredibly diverse group.
Gecko
A lizard belonging to the infraorder Gekkota, often with colorful patterns.
The bright patterns on the gecko made it stand out against the plain wall.
Lizard
A creature often found in warm areas and known for its sunbathing habits.
On my hike, I spotted a lizard perfectly camouflaged against the rocks.
Gecko
A nocturnal reptile often found in warm climates.
At night, the walls came alive with the sound of geckos chirping.
Lizard
Lizards are a widespread group of squamate reptiles, with over 6,000 species, ranging across all continents except Antarctica, as well as most oceanic island chains. The group is paraphyletic as it excludes the snakes and Amphisbaenia; some lizards are more closely related to these two excluded groups than they are to other lizards.
Gecko
Geckos are small lizards belonging to the infraorder Gekkota, found in warm climates throughout the world. They range from 1.6 to 60 cm (0.64 to 24 inches).
Lizard
Any of numerous squamate reptiles often classified in the suborder Lacertilia, characteristically having a scaly elongated body with a tapering tail, four legs, movable eyelids, and external ear openings.
Gecko
Any of various chiefly nocturnal tropical and subtropical lizards of the family Gekkonidae, characteristically having toe pads covered with numerous tiny bristles that adhere to vertical surfaces.
Lizard
Leather made from the skin of one of these reptiles.
Gecko
Any lizard of the family Gekkonidae. They are small, carnivorous, mostly nocturnal animals with large eyes and adhesive toes enabling them to climb on vertical and upside-down surfaces.
Lizard
Any reptile of the order Squamata that is not a snake or an amphisbaenian, usually having four legs, external ear openings, movable eyelids and a long slender body and tail.
Gecko
(rare) To move in the manner of a gecko; to attach to a vertical or upside-down surface.
Lizard
Lizard skin, the skin of these reptiles.
Gecko
Any lizard of the family Geckonidæ. The geckoes are small, carnivorous, mostly nocturnal animals with large eyes and vertical, elliptical pupils. Their toes are generally expanded, and furnished with adhesive disks, by which they can run over walls and ceilings. They are numerous in warm countries, and a few species are found in Europe and the United States. See Wall gecko, Fanfoot.
Lizard
(colloquial) An unctuous person.
Gecko
Any of various small chiefly tropical and usually nocturnal insectivorous terrestrial lizards typically with immovable eyelids; completely harmless
Lizard
(colloquial) A coward.
Lizard
(rock paper scissors) A hand forming a "D" shape with the tips of the thumb and index finger touching (a handshape resembling a lizard), that beats paper and Spock and loses to rock and scissors in rock-paper-scissors-lizard-Spock.
Lizard
(in compounds) A person who idly spends time in a specified place, especially a promiscuous female.
Lounge lizard; lot lizard; beach lizard; truck stop lizard
Lizard
Any one of the numerous species of reptiles belonging to the order Lacertilia; sometimes, also applied to reptiles of other orders, as the Hatteria.
Lizard
A piece of rope with thimble or block spliced into one or both of the ends.
Lizard
A piece of timber with a forked end, used in dragging a heavy stone, a log, or the like, from a field.
Lizard
Relatively long-bodied reptile with usually two pairs of legs and a tapering tail
Lizard
A man who idles about in the lounges of hotels and bars in search of women who would support him
Lizard
A reptilian creature that can regenerate its tail when broken off.
The child watched in fascination as the lizard's tail slowly grew back.
Common Curiosities
Is every gecko a lizard?
Yes, all geckos are lizards.
Are all lizards nocturnal like geckos?
No, lizards can be nocturnal or diurnal.
Do lizards vocalize like geckos?
Typically, lizards do not vocalize, but geckos often do.
Can a lizard live in various habitats?
Yes, lizards inhabit various ecosystems, from deserts to forests.
Are all lizards small and able to climb walls?
No, lizards vary greatly in size and climbing ability.
Do all geckos have patterns on their skin?
No, gecko appearances vary widely among species.
Can lizards detach their tails?
Many lizards can detach their tails to evade predators.
Do all lizards have adhesive toes like geckos?
No, adhesive toes are typically specific to geckos.
Do all geckos lack eyelids?
Many geckos lack eyelids, but not all.
Can geckos be found worldwide?
Geckos are found worldwide but prefer warmer climates.
Are geckos found in cold climates?
Rarely, as geckos generally prefer warmer environments.
What do lizards typically eat?
Lizards usually eat insects, but some species have varied diets.
How many species of lizards are there?
There are over 6,000 species of lizards worldwide.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Numerous vs. Innumerous
Next Comparison
Patronize vs. PatronageAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
