CECAK THE LIZARD

Cecak is a little lizard that likes to crawl on the walls and on the ceiling.

Do you know? If you come to Maumere' City you can find lots of Cecak or lizards here. We can find them easily on walls or ceilings of houses or on tree trunks. This small animal with the scientific name Phelsuma Laticauda is widely spread in Asia, especially in areas with tropical climates. Ceak (or ciack) are grey, but, some are blackish brown. They are usually about 10 centimeters in size. Cecak and other geckos belong to the Gekkonidae tribe and can live up to 15 years.

Two Cecaks on the wall

Cecak are attracted to light. They have padded feet which allow them to crawl on smooth surfaces. Perhaps, this is the reason why they are often found in homes. But lizards can also help humans in reducing the number of insects in the house. They will shed their tails when threatened by predators and can regenerate their tails in 1 month.

The Two Cecaks Each Want to Eat the Fly

It is estimated that the name "cecak" comes from the sound made by this animal "cak,cak,cak". When the Dutch were in Indonesia they used the words "Chit Chat" from the name of this lizard to mean casual talk. This is because when cecaks meet each other and move their heads then make the sounds as if they are talking. This word became popular and until now the word "chat" is defined as online communication.