House Gecko
Scientific Name: Hemidactylus frenatus
Size: Snout Vent Length 65 mm
What does it look like?
The House Gecko (or Asian House Gecko) is whitish, pinkish-brown or dark grey above, with series of tubercles along back and edges of tail, and either unpatterned or variably mottled with blackish flecks and lines. Underparts whitish. Appearance changeable depending on activity levels and exposure to light, with individuals being paler at night. All toes have claws. It emits distinctive barking ‘chuck-chuck-chuck‘ sound.
Where is it found?
Introduced, and successfully spreading throughout northern and eastern Australia, in association with human habitation.
What are its habitats & habits?
It is natively arboreal, but now mostly in human buildings, with populations firmly established in woodland areas of the NT. Nocturnal, gathering in numbers near artificial light sources and feeding on insects, spiders and other small lizards. Oviparous, usually laying 2 brittle-shelled eggs in a clutch, with females capable of laying eggs every 3–4 weeks, although laying probably coincides with suitable conditions.
Interesting facts
Also known as: Asian House Gecko; Common House Gecko; Pacific House Gecko
This species features in my book A Naturalist’s Guide to the Reptiles of Australia
