Lizards of the Philippines

In the Philippines there are about 100 species of lizards. Fortunately, none of them are venomous. The most common is the gecko or "house lizard." (left) These are anywhere from about an inch to five inches long. They often gather around a ceiling light in the evening to catch any flying insects that venture into the house. That is why it is considered Good Luck in the Philippines to have a house lizard.

While having any house lizard is considered a good fortune, having a Tuko, (right) a lizard nearly a foot long, living in the house is considered the best luck of all. This creature, reddish-brown with freckeled stripes, gets its name from the sound it makes in the darkness of night: "Tu-ko," "Tu-ko"