Interesting read

Hey everyone, I was preparing my share of the quiz for this week when I found this information sheet. Most of it was pretty much what we all know anyhow, but, I found this following portion to be really interesteing:

Communication and Sociability


Leopard Geckos communicate with each other by three different means: sound, scent and body language. As previously stated, the Leopard Gecko possesses vocal chords which it uses to make a series of clicks and squeaks, usually to communicate displeasure, fear or aggression.

Leopard Geckos also have a specialised system for effective olfaction (sense of smell). Epithelial cells line the nostrils, which are enhanced by an olfactory organ, in the palate. This organ is located just bellow the nostrils but is not directly connected. The organ is a pair of domed cavities lined with extremely sensitive epithelium that pass messages directly to the olfactory nerves. The organ is used to enhance olfaction and is called the Jacobson´s organ, sometimes reffered to as the vomeronasal organ.

As the gecko licks the air, particles carried on the tongue stimulate the Jacobson’s organ which is why you often see reptiles flicking their tongues and tasting things.

This form of communication is used by sending chemical signals to one another which tells each other information, such as their gender and sexual status i.e. if they are ready to breed.

Leopard Geckos will also use their tails as a form of communication, for example, when the tail is raised and swayed from left to right, the gecko is expressing fear, annoyance, or as a warning to stay away, though if the tail is vibrated rapidly, this can be an expression of excitement.

I just wanted to share this for some of yous that didn't know this. I didn't and found it exceedingly formative.

That jacobsons organ is a very interesting scent organ. If you ever look in your dogs mouth, there's a pea sized bump right behind their front row of teeth, thats their jacobsons organ. It literally allows them to "taste scent" in animals that have it and *gross alert* its usually urine or waste matter they push thru there to enhance the scent. When you see your dog "chatter" their teeth they just likely pushed scent thru that organ... but dogs are pretty amazing as it is with scent... over 30 million scent. Receptors in the muzzle/nasal cavity and about 1/3rd of the brain used to decipher scent. If a leo has half that they're pretty good sniffers

That is really cool, I had briefly heard it mentioned in regards to lizards, but had no idea that dogs had it too!

white tailed deet also have a diamond shaped organ on their upper palate, used for scent enhancing properties...other species of deer and a few other undulates also have this organ.

Well, my geckos excitedly attack their crickets every feeding.

Haha, mine do the tail shake as well.

Ohhh I've read that website before but it's a great idea to share it with everyone!
My tutor told us that the line we can feel with our tongue on the roof of our mouths is something to do with jacobson organs and evolution.. i cant remember now

All mammals have a jacobson's organ or at least the reminants of it. Some have evolved beyond needing it (like humans. I don't think we lick pee anymore but apes still have it I believe), but some more primitive mammals still retain it.

they are very interesting organs I love learning about them in class.. I would love to study a herp related biology degree but there are none in the UK sooo im eventually studying an exotic species related biology degree.. and I will have to ask my tutors to help me specialise in reptiles and amphibians during my course.

i'm learning so much from this forum! you guys are great!

Nice post, deserved a thumbs up thingy from me

awww that's sweet. I'm glad you like the forum

Thats cool. I bet many people get scared when they see there leo's tail vibrating rapidly.

To me it is the sound of babies....lol!!

I know this is a bit of an old post, but still I found it really interesting you learn something new everyday and when it comes to animals I'm all ears