Mondays in the gecko sun

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Oliver Thansan
Oliver Thansan
23 July 2023 Sunday 22:59
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Mondays in the gecko sun

* The author is part of the community of readers of La Vanguardia

With the heat, the dragonets come out and let themselves be seen, like this specimen that I have photographed for Las Fotos de los Lectores de La Vanguardia in Gurb, in the Osona region.

It is the common gecko, a small reptile, widely distributed in countries of the Mediterranean basin, which is a friend of summer and high temperatures.

Adults can measure from 5 to 15 cm, plus a similar length for the tail (if it loses it, it can regenerate it, although the new one is smoother and lacks bumps, like the ones that are prominent on the back and legs).

Its body is robust, flattened and its head is large and wide, triangular and separated from the body by a marked neck, as can be seen in the detailed photographs.

Its usual color is brownish gray or brown, with a whitish belly. However, its color changes in intensity depending on the luminosity that your skin receives. In this way, when it is active during the day the color is darker than at night.

Common geckos are nocturnal, although they are sometimes active around dusk or even during the day, especially on sunny summer days.

Eventually, they emit sounds and chirps in their interaction with other specimens. They are usually territorial and defend their home and hunting area.

It is totally harmless and very beneficial to humans due to its insectivorous diet, since it essentially feeds on mosquitoes, which are agents that can transmit multiple infectious diseases to people.