This is called a dtuk-aa.
I have affectionately named this one, Frank. It is a gecko that is much larger than normal
geckos. The usual geckos are 2 – 4
inches long, and we had them in Singapore too. The normal geekos are kind of like pets that
usually come out at night and eat little bugs (we are thankful for this). However dtuk-aas are between 6 to 12 inches
long not counting their tail. They can
change shade (not really color) for day time and night time. They also eat bugs, but not the little
ones. They can eat little geckos,
cockroaches, even rats and birds. They
got their name from the noise they make which sounds like they are saying
“dtuk-aa.”
As our home was empty for quite some time before we moved in,
a family of dtuk-aas found it to be a wonderful place to live. And even though we moved in over a year ago,
they are sentimental and do not wish to leave their home as well. Let me clarify, only once has one of them
actually been inside of our living area (see below), they actually live in the
front porch ceiling and in our covered back porch (supposedly an outdoor
kitchen) area. That said, it sounds as
though the dtuk-aas have found a way into our ceiling between the 1st
and 2nd floors. On random evenings
we will hear something running/scurrying in the ceiling – too be honest it
sounds like a small child is running up there.
Just as quickly as the sound appears it goes quiet again. We have decided that this noise is actually
the dtuk-aa chasing down dinner (bugs and/or mice) and once it gets quiet they
are feasting. By the way, we have never
seen a mouse in our house. It seems as
though the dtuk-aas recognize our great size compared to theirs and do not care
to hang around when they see us. So I
feel like we have a good arrangement; they come out at night and eat the things
I do not care to see and when we come out in the morning they go to bed.
The Thai people are terrified of dtuk-aas. It’s not quite like an American woman when
she comes upon a cockroach or a spider who may be startled and shrink back. I have watched Thai grown men come to our
home who jumped back in fear when they see the dtuk-aa. The first instance was when we had an air
conditioner moved before we officially moved into the house. The “men” went outside into the outdoor
kitchen and came upon a dtuk-aa. At this
time I did not know what these creatures were, I ran over when I saw their
response because I wanted to see what scared them so. Of course the dtuk-aa had moved on, just as
scared by the workers presence. The man
in charge had come over with me and simply said “dtuk-aa”. A word I had never heard before.
More recently the maintenance men in our complex came over
to repair something and as they walked up the front steps noticed the dtuk-aa
above their heads at the front porch.
They jumped back and ducked their heads.
The younger of the two I think missed the dtuk-aa (as they can be quite
fast) but the older of the two was the one cowering. The next time he came over he was looking up as
he approached my door cautiously. It was
a sight to see.
So I ask around to find out what this is all about and I
found out that Thai children are told ‘if you are bad a dtuk-aa will come and
bite you!’ And they know when a dtuk-aa
bites is does not let go. Clearly this
is really ingrained in them so when become adults they are still scared.
I am happy to have them; well most of the time. One did find its way inside the house where
she snuggled up under my cookie sheet which was drying propped against the
wall. I am very thankful I noticed her
before I grabbed the sheet. Steve chased
her out with a broom and we have never seen her again. I’m assuming the whole experience literally
scared her to death.
I am assuming our new son will come into our home being told
dtuk-aas bite bad children and when he sees the handful that hang out at the
front and back of the home he will be terrified. The joys I have to look forward too!
A link to a youtube video where a guy quickly shows you one. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xychcX64L7U
