The only times I could remember Newt waving was when I first got him. I thought it was awesome! But now he doesn't do it, that I see at least...and anytime he spots me handling either of my two leopard geckos, he goes flat and puffs out his beard! So is it safe to assume that Newt is a male? I think I will try that butternut squash trick...this morning I shredded up some collard greens with his mealworms, and once he got a mouthfull of the greens instead of the worms...and he SPAT THEM OUT!!...only to eat two of the peices after he finished eating the worms...