Why these ground-dwelling geckos are the odd ones out in the lizard world

Nature · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Most geckos are famous for their gravity-defying ability to scale smooth glass walls, but the genus Eublepharis is different. These sturdy, nocturnal lizards lack the specialized adhesive toe pads found in their cousins, choosing instead to roam the ground. They also possess a rare feature: fully functional, movable eyelids.

The genus Eublepharis, first described by British zoologist John Edward Gray in 1827, derives its name from the Greek words for true or good and eyelid. This anatomical distinction is a defining characteristic of the Eublepharidae family, separating them from the vast majority of geckos that lack movable lids and must instead lick their eyes to keep them clean. Their physical build is equally distinct, characterized by a robust body covered in wart-like bumps and a tail that remains shorter than their snout-vent length.

Native to regions across eastern and southwestern Asia, these geckos are strictly terrestrial. Because they lack the adhesive lamellae or membranes that allow other geckos to climb vertical surfaces, they are confined to the ground. This lifestyle dictates their behavior; they are primarily nocturnal, though the popular leopard gecko, Eublepharis macularius, exhibits cathemeral patterns. Found naturally in the highlands of Asia, stretching from Afghanistan into northern India, the leopard gecko has become a staple in the pet trade due to its unique biology and manageable nature.

Taxonomy within this group has seen shifts over time, reflecting the complexities of classifying these lizards. For instance, members of the Goniurosaurus kuroiwae superspecies were once categorized under the Eublepharis genus before being reclassified. While they share the family name with other ground-dwelling species, such as the western banded gecko (Coleonyx variegatus) found in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, the Eublepharis genus remains a distinct group defined by its specific Asian distribution and unique morphological traits. Understanding these differences highlights the diverse evolutionary paths geckos have taken to survive in environments ranging from rocky highlands to arid deserts.

The study of these animals continues to provide insight into lizard evolution. By observing how these geckos navigate their environment without the climbing adaptations common to their relatives, researchers can better understand the selective pressures that shaped their development. Whether in the wild or in captivity, the Eublepharis genus stands as a testament to the variety of survival strategies present within the gecko lineage.

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