They are found virtually everywhere on the planet except the polar regions, and have proved successful stowaways and rafters, having been transported along with man to places often far from their point of origin. Apart from their small size, geckos are also invariably characterised by their soft skin, which instead of the hard overlapping scales of most lizards is usually covered to a greater or lesser degree in tubercles . The tails of geckos tend also to be soft and often rather round or fat, as they tend to store reserves of fat and vital nutrients in them. In many species these tails are often dropped and regenerated. Gecko feet are often adapted for climbing up vertical surfaces and even across ceilings, thanks to a system of minute lamellae , or hair-like structures, which find the microscopic imperfections in a surface, even glass, and lodge in it.
Most geckos also possess small claws.
Most geckos lack eyelids and have a brille over the eye instead, which is shed in the same way as a snake's eye covering when the rest of the skin is discarded. Apart from the obvious Day Geckos, nearly all geckos are nocturnal by nature. Virtually all are insectivorous feeders. The Global Gecko Association has a well-organised website with care sheets, captive care information and photographs. They also promote conservation, study in the wild and academic research, and members receive a twice-yearly journal as well as regular newsletters.