What Colors Are Geckos?

Although the popular car insurance commercial features a solid green gecko, green is not the only color that gecko's have. Geckos range in colors from green to brown and practically every color in between. The gecko's color, which helps protect it from predators, depends on the environment it lives in.

  1. Color Change

    • The crested gecko has the unique ability to change color throughout life. When crested geckos are hatchlings, they are often a reddish color, then as the weeks progress, they change color. The colors have a large range, including brick red, yellow, orange, grey and black. As the gecko matures, it can change in color concentration. Despite the general change in color throughout the crested gecko's life, it can also change the intensity of its color throughout the day, depending on different environmental and emotional factors. In general, the coloration will be the most intense during nighttime hours, when the gecko is most active.

    Spotted

    • A number of gecko species are of the spotted variety. The leopard gecko is a light tan color with dark brown spots all over its body. The spots are similar to that of a leopard in pattern. The Tokay gecko has a grayish body covered with dark red spots. Tokay geckos can change the shade of their spots to better camouflage themselves. The crocodile gecko has markings that make it look very similar to a small crocodile. Its colors usually range from light to dark gray or brown.

    Green

    • Green geckos can range from simply patterned to brightly colored. The northland green gecko is a bright-green gecko that has spots on its body, tail and legs. The spots are generally yellow or white in color. The day gecko comes in several varieties. In general, they are a bright green color that appears to almost glow. The green ranges in color from olive green to turquoise. Depending on the variety of day gecko, the markings can range from dark red to bright red, gold or sky blue. The top of the gecko is brightly colored and the bottom is usually a drab color to help protect it from predators.