Hemidactylus frenatus
Hemidactylus frenatus, commonly known as the common house gecko, is a nocturnal lizard native to South and Southeast Asia and Near Oceania. These adaptable geckos are easily recognizable by their chirping sounds and are often found in urban environments, climbing walls of buildings to hunt insects attracted to lights. They are non-venomous and generally docile but can bite if threatened.
Key Facts
- ›Native to South and Southeast Asia and near Oceania.
- ›Nocturnal, active at night foraging for insects.
- ›Non-venomous and not harmful to humans.
- ›Grows to a length of 7.5–15 cm (3–6 in).
- ›Prefers urban environments but can also be found in bushland and woodlands.
- ›Known for its characteristic chirping sound.
Asian House Gecko, Pacific House Gecko, Wall Gecko, House Lizard, Tiktiki, Chipkali, Moon Lizard
South Asia, Southeast Asia, Near Oceania, United States, Australia, Mexico, Central America, Caribbean, Africa, Middle East
- Grow To A Length of Between 7.5–15 cm .
- Coloration Is Typically Brown Or Gray.
- Possess Dark Streaks On the Sides of the Head Between the Eyes and Nostrils.
- Can Cling To Vertical and Inverted Surfaces.
- Males May Display Larger Heads With A More Pronounced Shape, Correlated With Territorial Behavior.
Insects, Spiders, Molluscs, Smaller Geckos, Juveniles of Other Gecko Species
- Nocturnal, Hiding During the Day and Foraging At Night.
- Exhibit Quinodiurnal Activity For Thermoregulation.
- Climb Walls of Buildings In Search of Insects.
- Can Be Docile But May Bite If Distressed.
- Males Can Be Territorial.
- Trigger Avoidance Responses In Other Gecko Species.
- Tolerate the Presence of Other Gecko Species.
Competition With Native Gecko Species, Habitat Fragmentation, Introduction of New Parasites and Diseases
About Hemidactylus frenatus
Hemidactylus frenatus: The Common House Gecko
The common house gecko, scientifically known as Hemidactylus frenatus, is a small, widely distributed lizard native to South and Southeast Asia and Near Oceania. It is also commonly referred to as the Asian house gecko, Pacific house gecko, or simply the wall gecko. This species is well-known for its nocturnal habits, emerging after dusk to hunt for insects attracted to artificial lights, often found on the walls of human dwellings and other buildings.
Habitat and Distribution
Hemidactylus frenatus displays a strong preference for urban and suburban environments, a trait that has facilitated its global spread. While capable of inhabiting bushland and woodland areas, its distribution is largely defined by proximity to human settlements. The species is highly adaptable and can survive in a wide range of latitudes, partly due to its ability to enter a state of brumation during colder months. Its range has expanded significantly through both deliberate and accidental introductions, making it a common sight in many tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.
Physical Characteristics and Behavior
Common house geckos typically grow to a length of 7.5 to 15 centimeters (3 to 6 inches) and have a lifespan of approximately 7 years. They are easily identified by their characteristic chirping sounds. These geckos are non-venomous and are not considered harmful to humans, though they may bite if handled or distressed. Behaviorally, they are known to be competitive, sometimes displacing native gecko species through exclusionary tactics and out-competition for resources. Males may exhibit territorial behaviors, with larger head sizes potentially indicating a prioritization of biting force over escape speed.
Diet and Reproduction
The diet of Hemidactylus frenatus consists primarily of invertebrates, including a variety of insects such as cockroaches, termites, flies, and spiders, as well as mollusks and even smaller geckos. Females lay a maximum of two hard-shelled eggs at a time, with up to four eggs potentially developing within their ovaries. A notable reproductive trait is the male's ability to store sperm for extended periods, which can be stored by the female for up to 36 weeks. This capability aids in colonizing new habitats, as a single mating event can lead to multiple clutches of eggs, increasing the chances of successful establishment.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the common house gecko?
The common house gecko, scientifically known as Hemidactylus frenatus, is a small, nocturnal lizard native to parts of Asia and Oceania. It is widely recognized for its ability to climb walls and its distinctive chirping vocalizations.
Where does the common house gecko live?
Hemidactylus frenatus is native to South and Southeast Asia and Near Oceania. However, due to introductions, it has spread to many other tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, including parts of the Americas, Australia, and Africa, often thriving in urban landscapes.
What does the common house gecko eat?
The diet of the common house gecko primarily consists of invertebrates such as cockroaches, termites, flies, spiders, and moths. They are often found hunting insects attracted to artificial lights in urban areas. They may also consume smaller geckos.
Are common house geckos dangerous to humans?
No, common house geckos are non-venomous and not harmful to humans. While they may bite if distressed, their bite is unlikely to cause significant harm and may only pierce the skin.
What is the lifespan of a common house gecko?
The typical lifespan of a common house gecko is about 7 years. This can vary depending on environmental factors and whether they are in the wild or in captivity.
Why are common house geckos considered invasive?
Hemidactylus frenatus can be an invasive species because of its aggressive behavior and ability to outcompete native gecko species for resources. Its adaptability to urban environments and high reproductive rate contribute to its successful colonization of new areas.
What are the distinctive features of a common house gecko?
Common house geckos are known for their ability to climb vertical surfaces, their nocturnal activity, and their characteristic chirping sounds. They have a generally brown or gray coloration and can grow up to 15 cm in length.
Related Lizards
Common house gecko
The common house gecko (Hemidactylus frenatus), also known as the Asian house gecko, is a small, nocturnal lizard native to South and Southeast Asia and Near Oceania. Easily recognizable by its chirping vocalizations, it thrives in warm, humid environments, particularly within urban landscapes where it forages for insects attracted to artificial lights. This adaptable species has a wide distribution and can be found on walls of buildings and in various natural habitats.
Sphenomorphus dussumieri
Sphenomorphus dussumieri, also known as Dussumier's forest skink, is a species of skink endemic to the Western Ghats of southern India. This diurnal lizard is characterized by its slender body, smooth bronze-brown scales with dark spots, and distinctive light dorso-lateral stripes. It inhabits a range of forest types, from evergreen to plantations, at moderate altitudes.
Sphenops sepsoides
Sphenops sepsoides, also known as the wedge-snouted skink, is a common and widespread skink species found across North Africa and the Middle East. This viviparous lizard is a sand specialist, adept at 'swimming' beneath the sand with its reduced limbs, rarely emerging onto the surface. It inhabits sandy areas and dunes, exhibiting nocturnal behavior in summer and diurnal activity in winter.