Marbled Geckos rest by day under bark, logs and timber, in groups of up to ten, often with only one male. They feed at night and store fat in their tails. If caught, they will drop their tails which regrow (like a lot of skinks). Lacking eye-lids, they lick their eyes clean.

They have a rarely heard voice. They spread out large finger and toe pads to grasp soft and slippery surfaces. Two round hard eggs are laid in summer. Camouflaged hatchlings are similar to adults. To protect them, keep cats in at night and avoid using chemical sprays and insecticides.

Size: 50 mm long (not including tail)

Illustration and photos: Mark Trinham