There are a variety of species of lizards found globally. You can even spot some specific kind of lizard at your house. They are trendy as they scare small kids.
However, here we will discuss two specific species of lizards: geckos and chameleons. Although they both are lizards, they also possess distinctive differences between them as well. Both geckos and chameleons are found in a warm climate in abundance.
Key Takeaways
- Geckos have slim and elongated bodies with pointed snouts, while chameleons have more rounded bodies and distinctive curled tails.
- Geckos have large and visible eyes, while chameleons have independently rotating eyes that can look in different directions.
- Geckos do not change color, while chameleons can change color for camouflage and communication.
Geckos vs Chameleons
Geckos are basically from the Gekkonidae family. In contrast, chameleons are basically from the Chamaeleonidae family. Geckos are small-sized lizards, but chameleons are big-sized lizards. The average size of the geckos ranges from 3-5 inches. In contrast, the average size of the chameleons ranges up to 27 inches. The lifespan of the geckos is 10- 20 years. In comparison, the lifespan of the chameleons is 3-10 years.
Geckos are very colourful and can be found in various colours like black, pink, purple and blue. They do not possess any ability to change their body colour. Geckos make chirping sounds and are very popular for their extraordinary vocalizations.
Geckos are of 80 genera and three subfamilies. Around 600 species of geckos can be noticed or observed. Geckos dwell in trees. However, some make their homes with human settlements as well.
Chameleons are not as colourful as Geckos. Chameleons possess a unique ability to change their body colour according to different situations. Chameleons cannot have extraordinary vocalizations.
Chameleons are found only in 2 genera. Around 50 species of chameleons are seen. Chameleons live in tropical forests and jungles, and they are arboreal.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Geckos | Chameleons |
|---|---|---|
| Family | Geckos are basically from the Gekkonidae family. | Chameleons are basically from the Chamaeleonidae family. |
| Species Count | 600 species | 50 species |
| Genera and Subfamily | 80 genera and 3 subfamilies. | Found in 2 genera. |
| Appearance | Colourful (Black, pink, purple, blue) | They are not as bright as Geckos. |
| Abilities | They do not possess any power to change their body colour. | Possess a unique ability to change their body colour according to different situations. |
| Vocalization | Geckos make chirping sounds and are very popular for their extraordinary vocalizations. | Chameleons lack this ability. |
| Size | Small-sized lizards | Big sized lizards |
| Average size | The average size of the geckos ranges from 3-5 inches. | The average size of the chameleons ranges up to 27 inches. |
| Life Span | The lifespan of the geckos is 10- 20 years. | The lifespan of the chameleons is 3-10 years. |
What are Geckos?
The term “Gecko” has its origin in Malay Gekoq. The base word shows an expression of imitation of a gecko cry. The eyelids of the geckos are fused. Around 75% of the geckos’ species stay awake at night and have narrow and vertical pupils.
However, some geckos possess round pupils as well. They have broad, short necks, flattened bodies and flatheads.
The feet of the geckos are like toes, and they have tiny and hooked bristles. Geckos specialized feet help them in climbing high ceilings and walls.
They eat insects and live on trees. However, some geckos are also viviparous. Geckos are too colourful and are found in purple, blue, pink, and black. These are the most attractive and colourful lizards.
Geckos make chirping sounds, and they are the only family of geckos that are known for vocalization. These are medium-sized lizards; however, they are sometimes tiny in size too. Throughout the globe, 1,500 variety of species is found. Most of them, specifically the tokay geckos, are in Southeast Asia.
What are Chameleons?
The term “Chameleon” originates from the ancient Greek word Khamaileon. Chameleon can be further divided as Khama, which means on the ground and Leon, which refers to the lion.
Chameleons are found in warm climatic conditions. They are categorized as having large heads, sticky tongues and tight bodies.
They can be seen with fused feet. Chameleons move with the help of a prehensile tail from one branch of the tree to another. The eyes of the chameleons move almost in all directions—their eyes in a conical shape.
Have mobile eyes which are distinctively stereoscopic.
They have zygodactylous feet, which are parrot-like. Chameleons have pressed-out tongues that are highly modified, long, prehensile tails, and they possess crests on their head.
Chameleons have a unique capability to change their body colour according to various situations.
Main Differences Between Between Geckos and Chameleons
- Geckos are very colourful and can be found in various colours like black, pink, purple and blue. In contrast, chameleons are not as bright as Geckos.
- Geckos do not possess any ability to change their body colour. Whereas, Chameleons have a unique ability to change their body colour according to different situations.
- Geckos make chirping sounds and are very popular for their extraordinary vocalizations, whereas Chameleons lack this ability.
- Geckos are of 80 genera and 3 subfamilies. Whereas, Chameleons are found only in 2 genera.
- Around 600 species of geckos can be noticed or observed. At the same time, about 50 species of chameleons are seen.
- Geckos are basically from the Gekkonidae family. In contrast, chameleons are basically from the Chamaeleonidae family.
- Geckos are small-sized lizards. In comparison, chameleons are big-sized lizards.
- The average size of the geckos ranges from 3-5 inches. At the same time, the average size of the chameleons ranges up to 27 inches.
- The lifespan of the geckos is 10- 20 years. However, the lifespan of the chameleon is 3-10 years.
- http://www.mvences.de/p/p1/Vences_A113.pdf
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378111901006436
Last Updated : 11 June, 2023
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Piyush Yadav has spent the past 25 years working as a physicist in the local community. He is a physicist passionate about making science more accessible to our readers. He holds a BSc in Natural Sciences and Post Graduate Diploma in Environmental Science. You can read more about him on his bio page.
This article provides a comprehensive and detailed comparison between geckos and chameleons, highlighting not only their physical differences but also their habitats, behaviors, and biological features. Very informative!
Absolutely! The information presented here is quite extensive and well-researched. A great read for anyone interested in these fascinating reptiles.
The article makes a compelling case for the unique qualities and characteristics of geckos and chameleons. A truly engaging piece of scientific writing.
I couldn’t agree more. It’s refreshing to read such an in-depth exploration of these fascinating lizard species.
Absolutely, the author’s passion for these reptiles shines through in the meticulous details and thorough analysis presented in the article.
While I appreciate the detailed descriptions and information about geckos and chameleons, I would have liked to see more insight into their evolutionary history and genetic differences.
That’s a valid point. A section on the evolutionary aspects of these reptiles would have added another layer of depth to the article.
I understand your perspective. It would be fascinating to explore the genetic variations and evolutionary adaptations of geckos and chameleons.
The engaging descriptions of geckos and chameleons truly bring these creatures to life. A captivating read for reptile enthusiasts and curious minds alike.
The vivid imagery and detailed explanations certainly make this article an enjoyable and intellectually stimulating read.
I couldn’t agree more. The author’s ability to convey the unique traits of geckos and chameleons is truly impressive.
I found the comparison table to be extremely useful. It neatly summarizes the key differences between geckos and chameleons, making it easy to understand and remember.
Yes, the table format is excellent. It makes the complex information much more digestible and accessible for readers.
I agree, the table is a great addition and enhances the clarity of the article.