What is that smell?

Ever wonder how you can tell the difference between smells? Why does a lemon have a citrus smell while freshly cut grass smells different? The answer is olfactory receptors. In a short version, different smells stick to your scent glands, or olfactory receptors, causing them to change shape. This change sends a signal to the brain, like a text message, telling your brain what it is your nose is picking up.

Here at Sticks Stones and Bonez, we have all sorts of fun smells to stretch those olfactory receptors. Some are things that your brain will recognize immediately. Others you may not have ever encountered. It's a workout for your scent glands to find all of the exciting scents at our scent-sational sensory station!

The Mourning Gecko

Here at Sticks Stones and Bonez we have a variety of creatures, mainly reptiles, that reside here to help educate our patrons on a variety of topics!

Among these creatures are our Mourning Geckos. These small Geckos, averaging around 3.5" long, are especially interesting! Here are 8 interesting facts about Mourning Geckos!

1. Mourning Geckos are Omnivores! They eat insects, fruit, and nectar.

2. Despite their small size, Mourning Geckos can live to be 10 years old! 

3. Mourning Geckos can be found over a very wide range. They can be found in Southern Asia, Southern Regions of North America, Central America, Northern regions of South America, as well as many Islands including Hawaii!

4. Mourning Geckos are cathemeral! This means that they are active during both day and night at irregular times.

5. Almost all Mourning Geckos are female! Mourning Geckos reproduce by Parthenogenesis. This is a type of asexual reproduction which means they do not require a male to reproduce. Occasionally male offspring are born, but they are infertile!

6. Mourning Gecko eggs are saltwater tolerant which allows them to live in such a wide variety of areas.

7. Mourning Geckos lack eyelids. They clean and moisten their eyes with their tongues.

8. Mourning Geckos can regrow their tail if it becomes broken or is bitten off.

Check back next week for another Herp-day Thursday!