How geckos defy gravity using the invisible power of molecular attraction

Nature · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Geckos are masters of vertical traversal, clinging to surfaces with ease. This feat is not magic, but physics: their tiny foot hairs interact with surfaces through Van der Waals forces. These intermolecular attractions allow the largest gecko family, Gekkonidae, to thrive globally, from tropical forests to our own homes.

The Gekkonidae family is a massive biological success story, encompassing over 950 described species across 62 distinct genera. These reptiles are found in warm regions across the globe, with some, like the widespread Hemidactylus, becoming invasive in subtropical areas. Others remain strictly endemic, such as the African-restricted Afroedura and Afrogecko. Their ability to dominate diverse environments is partly due to their specialized anatomy, specifically the setae on their feet that facilitate adhesion to almost any surface.

The evolutionary history of the Gekkota infraorder stretches back to the Jurassic period, between 201 and 145 million years ago. Early ancestors like Eichstaettisaurus schroederi show climbing adaptations, though their exact classification remains debated. By the Cretaceous period, between 121 and 100 million years ago, species like Hoburogekko suchanovi and Gobekko cretacicus were clearly part of the Gekkota lineage. While fossil evidence is often incomplete, these specimens provide a window into the long-term development of gecko morphology.

The earliest confirmed member of the Gekkonidae family is Yantarogekko balticus, preserved in Baltic amber from the Eocene epoch, roughly 56 to 33.9 million years ago. Measuring a mere 20 to 22 mm from snout to vent, this ancient gecko already possessed the enlarged, undivided scansorial pads and clawed digits characteristic of the family. These features suggest that the sophisticated adhesive abilities seen in modern geckos were already well-established millions of years ago. Today, molecular phylogenetics continues to refine our understanding of how these diverse genera are related, mapping the complex family tree of one of the world's most successful reptile groups.

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