The name 'gecko' probably derives from the calls of these lizards, produced by clicking their broad tongue against the roof of their mouth. Sexually mature females may have calcium deposits in their endolymphatic sacs located just behind the ears. Sexually mature males develop enlarged pores on femoral scales on their hind legs and produce a waxy exudate resembling droplets. Day Geckos are from Madagascar, various neighboring island groups, and the coast of East Africa. They inhabit tropical forests and coconut plantations.
Day geckos are diurnal and arboreal .
They tend to prefer relatively smooth areas to rest and sunbathe. Most species are rather quarrelsome among each other. They also like to lick honey. In the zoo, geckos are fed small crickets, mealworms, and occasionally mashed papayas. Because it is difficult to teach geckos to drink water from a dish, their enclosure is periodically misted and they take water from the leaves.