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Wednesday 19 July 2023 locAl
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Aruban cool lizard Episode CC XV - 215
Every week, Etnia Nativa writes a new episode con-
cerning culture and heritage, focusing on various as-
pects of native knowledge, transcendental wisdom,
and the importance of upholding our true identity. The
goal is to educate readers and encourage them to
embrace a genuine island state of consciousness.
In this segment, Etnia Nativa shares about the Turnip-
tailed gecko, locally known as Pega Pega (Theca-
dactylus rapicauda), which is mostly nocturnal and
commonly found in local houses. They are famous
for their ability to stick to vertical surfaces; their name
derives from the suction pads on their feet that allow
them to grip or stick (pega means “to stick” in Papia-
mento); however, it is also said that it has to do with
the repeating crisping sound they make.
The local Pega Pega is immediately recognizable by
its large size, with a body length of up to 12 cm, and
its large, swollen tail, approximately the same length
or slightly shorter than its body; females are larger and pers, beetles, flies, mosquitoes, and
more robust than males. It has short, robust legs with This sticking `lizard`` has full-color vision spiders. They spend their days con-
flattened toes and extensive basal webbing. and can see a large spectrum of colors cealed in dark tree grooves and cavi-
even in very dim light. But most geckos ties, in narrow crevices in the walls, or
The undersides of its toes are covered in lamellae, don’t have eyelids, so their precious behind paintings, which provide the
which are used as friction pads to cling to smooth eyeballs are covered with little protec- perfect shelter for them. Most geckos
vertical surfaces. Some can even walk around com- tive scales that need to be wiped off have thin skin covered in tiny, granu-
pletely upside down. Its toes are covered with ridg- occasionally. For this reason, it is really lar scales and tend to rely on cam-
es, which are peppered with millions of microscopic useful and valuable because of its long ouflage and the cover of the night to
bristle-like structures called setae that attach and de- tongue. Pega Pega, instead of blink- hide from predators. Their skin is self-
tach when the animal wills them to, and they never ing, sticks out his long pink tongue and cleaning and antibacterial and repels
get gunked up. cleans off its eyeballs, one at a time. water that rises and rolls off, carrying
They are variable in coloration, from a mottled dark dirt and bacteria away. Their ability to
gray to orange-brown, and are capable of chang- They have sophisticated vocal com- shed water helps keep them clean in
ing color depending on their mood and surroundings. munication systems, similar to those of the wild. To date, there are 44 different
Mottled and banded markings aid in camouflage mammals and birds. At night, they vo- types of gecko species with different
against tree bark. They are harmless and fragile; you calize by giving a series of 15–25 chirps characteristics and types. Pega pega
can hold one in your hands as long as you are VERY and clacks, used for territory establish- is a gecko endemic to our island, but in
gentle. ment and defense or to lure potential time, some 4–5 intrusive gecko species
interlopers away when they get too have been observed, some of which
Never put pressure on its tail because it will surely drop close. Their vocalization is extremely do not cease to amaze us with the
as a measure to try to distract the predator, and they flexible: they can bark, click, squeak, racket they make, especially during
are different from other lizards because they’re long- and chirp in order to attract mates. In the hours of the night.
lived, talkative, lack eyelids, and their small scales are New Caledonia lives the largest gecko
situated next to each other like cobblestones rather in the world (Rhacodactylus leachia- If you have a keen interest in exploring
than overlapping as is the case in most other lizards. nus), and because of its shrill growl, the Aruba’s heritage, Etnia Nativa`s expe-
Their reproductive season is during the rainy season. natives of the place call it “the devil in rience is highly recommended. The
After mating, a female lays 1 or (rarely) 2 eggs, which the trees”. owner’s firsthand explanations and in-
she buries in a slightly moist substrate, a garden plant sights set Etnia Nativa apart of the rest.
container, or a tree trunk. The young hatch 13 days Turnip-tailed Geckos are insectivorous A personal touch which adds depth
later. and feed on cockroaches, grasshop- and authenticity to the experience,
allowing visitors to forge a meaning-
ful connection with the island’s histo-
ry, engaging valuable insights and a
more profound understanding of Aru-
ba’s cultural traditions.
Appointments required ensuring a per-
sonalized and immersive experience.
etnianativa03@gmail.com or What-
sApp (messages only) at +297 592
2702. q
