Skinks and Geckos
What’s a skink? What’s a gecko? Does anyone even care? Then why is the author writing this paper? First of all, a skink is a lizard, like a gecko, and is not to be confused with a skunk which is a very smelly mammal. Second of all, the reader must realize that geckos and skinks are very different.
While skinks and geckos are two different lizard types, they have many similarities as well. At first glance, the two may look very similar. At least they would be recognizable as lizards. However, geckos have short stubby bodies with a thick fat tail, often in various shapes, such as oval, leaf-tailed, or cylindrical. They also have a rounded arrow shaped head. The long limbed geckos have teensy tiny hairs on the bottoms of their feet, which allow them to walk on walls and ceilings. Geckos are nocturnal, meaning they are active during the night.
Skinks, on the other hand, look like a snake with legs. They have a rounded nose, like a snake, and the body looks long and sinuous just like a snake. Their short stubby limbs are designed for tunneling underground to create burrows for hibernating and laying eggs. Skinks are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day.
Skinks and geckos are both ambush predators. They stalk their prey, keeping out of sight, then dart toward the prey and clamp their powerful jaws down on the unsuspecting insect. They both eat insects most people would consider pests, such as crickets, grasshoppers, spiders, and moths. Some species of geckos and skinks are large enough to devour mice and other small rodents.
Skinks and geckos both live in temperate and tropical zones. In other words, they prefer hot and humid climates.
Although geckos and skinks may look alike at first glance, they are two very different lizards. Their colorful appearance and interesting nature make them fun pets. Their mysterious natures make them fun to study and learn about.