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Question about gecko's tail-dropping antics

fadetolemons Mar 13, 2004 10:33 PM

I know that geckos, along with many other lizards, will drop their tails not only from having stress, but also as a defense mechanism. Does this mean that they can drop their tail even if it isn't being touched at all?? For instance, if they felt in great danger from a predator, could their tail just fall off or does it need an outside force to pull on it?

Replies (2)

meretseger Mar 13, 2004 10:37 PM

I've been on this boat (different species). They can break it off at will. They'll just vibrate it until it drops off.
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po Mar 15, 2004 06:06 PM

it can happen just from stress or fright, but not likely with a captive leo, they are pretty calm, the only tail loss ive had was a tragic light falling on tail story...

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