Hemidactylus brookii
Hemidactylus brookii, commonly known as Brooke's house gecko or the spotted house gecko, is a widespread lizard species belonging to the Gekkonidae family. This gecko is characterized by its granular skin interspersed with larger tubercles and its yellowish-brown coloration with dark spots. It inhabits a broad range of environments across Africa, Asia, and the Americas, often found in human-modified habitats.
Key Facts
- ›Widespread distribution across Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
- ›Characterized by granular skin with scattered large, keeled tubercles.
- ›Typically yellowish-brown with irregular dark spots and dark bars on the lips.
- ›Males possess femoral pores.
- ›Found in various habitats, including those near human settlements.
Brooke's House Gecko, Spotted House Gecko
Senegal, Togo, Angola, Cape Verde, Tanzania, South Africa, Gambia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Mali, Central African Republic, Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Sudan, India, Bhutan, Thailand, Maldives, Malaysian Peninsula, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Indonesia, Mexico, Honduras, Haiti, Antilles, Cuba, Hispaniola, Puerto Rico, Trinidad, Colombia, Uganda, Venezuela
Human-Modified Habitats, Near Human Settlements
- Snout Somewhat Longer Than the Distance Between the Eye and the Ear-Opening.
- Forehead Concave.
- Ear-Opening Small, Oval, Vertical.
- Body Covered With Small Granules Intermixed With Large Keeled Trihedral Tubercles.
- Tubercles Arranged In 16-20 Longitudinal Series.
- Yellowish-Brown Coloration Above With Irregular Dark Spots.
- One Or Two Dark Lines On the Side of the Head Passing Through the Eye.
- Lips With Dark Bars.
- Lower Parts White, Finely Dotted With Dark Brown.
- Young Specimens Have Cross Lines of White Tubercles On the Back.
- Tail Depressed and Annulate With Rows of 8 Or 6 Spine-Like Tubercles.
- Digits Free, Dilated, With Distinct Lamellae Under the Toes.
Insects, Other Invertebrates
Likely Active At Night, Can Be Found In Proximity To Humans
About Hemidactylus brookii
Hemidactylus brookii: Brooke's House Gecko
Hemidactylus brookii, widely recognized as Brooke's house gecko or the spotted house gecko, is a common and widely distributed lizard species belonging to the Gekkonidae family. Its scientific name, brookii, honors the British adventurer James Brooke.
Description and Characteristics
This gecko is distinguished by its physical attributes. Its body is covered in small granules interspersed with larger, keeled, trihedral tubercles, typically arranged in 16 to 20 longitudinal series. The coloration is generally yellowish-brown above, marked with irregular dark spots. Distinctive dark lines run along the side of the head, passing through the eye, and the lips often feature dark bars. The underside is white, with scales finely dotted with dark brown. Young specimens may exhibit cross lines of white tubercles on their backs. The tail is depressed and segmented by rows of spine-like tubercles. Adult specimens measure approximately 5.8 cm (2.3 inches) for head and body length, with a total length reaching around 11.8 cm (4.6 inches).
Geographic Distribution and Habitat
Hemidactylus brookii boasts an extensive geographic range, spanning across Africa, Asia, and parts of the Americas. It has been recorded in numerous countries including Senegal, Tanzania, India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Mexico, and various Caribbean islands. This wide distribution is often attributed to its adaptability, as it is frequently found in habitats modified by humans, commonly inhabiting areas near human settlements.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hemidactylus brookii commonly called?
Hemidactylus brookii is commonly known as Brooke's house gecko and the spotted house gecko. These names reflect its association with human dwellings and its distinctive patterned markings.
Where can Hemidactylus brookii be found geographically?
This species has a very wide geographic distribution. It is found across large parts of Africa, including Senegal and South Africa, and extends into Asia in countries like India, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia. It has also been introduced to parts of the Americas, including Mexico and various Caribbean islands.
What are the physical characteristics of Hemidactylus brookii?
Hemidactylus brookii has yellowish-brown upper parts with irregular dark spots and dark bars on its lips. Its body is covered in small granules mixed with larger, keeled, trihedral tubercles. The tail is depressed and ringed with rows of spine-like tubercles.
What is the size of Hemidactylus brookii?
Adult specimens typically have a head and body length of around 58 millimeters (2.3 inches), with the tail measuring approximately 60 millimeters (2.4 inches).
What kind of habitats does Hemidactylus brookii prefer?
While specific habitat preferences can vary, Hemidactylus brookii is known for its adaptability. It is often found in areas near human habitation, suggesting it thrives in modified environments as well as potentially natural settings within its extensive range.
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