Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I was wondering what tail swishing is for. I know that geckos will "wag" thier tail really fast right before pouncing on a cricket, but what is with the slow waving back and forth thing?? Is this a mating thing?? Thanks!

ive noticed it when any new gecko is seen or introduced. i think it is a way of identifying mate or rival

adam
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hybrid breeders association
0.1. normal corn het hypo,anery
1.0. snow corn het hypo,anery,amel
1.0. amel corn unknown hets(4ft 8inch long)
1.0 sinacorn
1.1 kenyan sand boas
0.1 mbk
0.1 albino nelsons
0.2 normal leo geckos
1.0 blizzard leo gecko
0.0.1 snapping turtles
0.0.1 3 lined mud turtle

That is correct. Behavior studies have shown that Leopard Geckos identify each other by tail wags and licks. Males often use the tail wagging as an invitation to mate with a female. The tail wagging before pouncing on food isn't completely understood though.
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1.0 Hypo Tang Leopard Gecko
0.1 Normal Leopard Gecko
0.1 SHTCT Baldy Leopard Gecko
1.0 African Fat Tailed Gecko
1.1 Crested Geckos
0.1 California Kingsnake
1.1 Cornsnakes
1.0 Ball Python

I fancied the tail wagging an excitement thing when I first got my leos. Now I think it's a tactic to avert the prey item's attention before the final pounce My geckos are awesome hunters in my mind... (even Roxy, who seems to have depth perception issues when picking up a waxworm... she misses ten times before she finally gets the bugger, yet she snatches crickets up with the greatest of ease!)
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Sierra
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...proudly loving and feeding...
Derby, Pele & Nikki (2.1 horses)
Diamond & Mrs Potts (1.1 bullsnakes)
Freshie & Other (1.1 boas)
Trip, Obie, Play, Roxy, Boudicca, & Squirrel (3.3 leopard geckos)
Gelly the redfoot & the no-name-sulcata
Shaun (1.0 fiance)