Hemidactylus mahendrai
Hemidactylus brookii·Gekkonidae·Not specified in text
Hemidactylus brookii, commonly known as Brooke's house gecko or the spotted house gecko, is a widespread lizard species found across Africa, Asia, and the Americas. This gecko is characterized by its granular skin interspersed with larger, keeled tubercles, and its yellowish-brown coloration with irregular dark spots. It typically inhabits human dwellings and other structures, making it a common sight in many regions.
Key Facts
- ›Widespread distribution across Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
- ›Characterized by granular skin with prominent keeled tubercles.
- ›Coloration is yellowish-brown with irregular dark spots and dark bars on the lips.
- ›Males possess femoral pores.
- ›Found in human habitations and similar structures.
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, Zanzibar, Pemba Island, Gabon, Venezuela, West Coast of Africa
Human Dwellings, Buildings, Structures
- 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 In 16-20 Longitudinal Series.
- Diameter of Largest Tubercles On Flanks Exceeds the Diameter of the Ear-Opening.
- Ventral Scales Larger Than Throat Scales, Cycloid, Imbricate.
- Male With 7-20 Femoral Pores On Each Side.
- Tail Depressed, Annulate, With Rows of 8 Or 6 Spine-Like Tubercles.
- Digits Free, Dilated, With 3-6 Lamellae Under the Inner Toes and 6-8 Under the Median Toes.
- Coloration: Yellowish-Brown 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; Scales Finely Dotted With Dark Brown.
- Young Specimens Have Cross Lines of White Tubercles On the Back; Tail Tubercles Are All White.
Insects, Arthropods
Often Found In and Around Human Habitations., Active At Night .
About Hemidactylus mahendrai
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. Its scientific name, "brookii," honors the British adventurer James Brooke.
Physical Characteristics
This gecko typically exhibits a yellowish-brown coloration on its upper surfaces, marked by irregular dark spots. Distinctive dark bars are present on its lips, and one or two dark lines often extend from the side of its head through the eye. The body is covered in small granular scales, interspersed with larger, keeled, trihedral tubercles arranged in longitudinal series. The tail is depressed and features rows of spine-like tubercles. Males are identifiable by the presence of 7 to 20 femoral pores on each side of their hind limbs.
The snout of Hemidactylus brookii is somewhat longer than the distance from the eye to the ear-opening, and the ear-opening itself is small and oval. The digits are dilated, facilitating climbing. Adult specimens typically measure around 58 millimeters (2.3 inches) in head-and-body length, with a tail of similar length, reaching a total length of approximately 118 millimeters (4.6 inches).
Distribution and Habitat
Hemidactylus brookii boasts an extensive geographic distribution, found across various regions of Africa, Asia, and has been introduced to parts of the Americas. Its presence is noted from Senegal and South Africa in Africa, through India, Bhutan, Thailand, and Indonesia in Asia, extending to Mexico, the Antilles, and Colombia in the Americas. This species is particularly well-adapted to human-modified environments, frequently inhabiting houses and other structures, which earns it the common name "house gecko."
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hemidactylus brookii commonly called?
Hemidactylus brookii is commonly known as Brooke's house gecko or the spotted house gecko. These names reflect its association with human habitations and its distinctive spotted appearance.
What does Hemidactylus brookii look like?
This gecko has yellowish-brown upperparts 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 has rows of spine-like tubercles.
Where can Hemidactylus brookii be found?
Hemidactylus brookii has a very extensive geographic range. It is found in various parts of Africa, including Senegal and South Africa, as well as in Asia, spanning from India and Bhutan to Malaysia and Indonesia. It has also been introduced to parts of the Americas, including Mexico, the Antilles, and Colombia.
What is the habitat of Hemidactylus brookii?
Hemidactylus brookii is often found in and around human dwellings, such as houses and buildings, hence its common name "house gecko." They adapt well to environments altered by human activity.
How large does Hemidactylus brookii get?
The length of the head and body for Hemidactylus brookii can reach up to 58 millimeters (2.3 inches), with a tail that is approximately the same length, measuring around 60 millimeters (2.4 inches).
Are there any distinctive features of male Hemidactylus brookii?
Yes, male Hemidactylus brookii possess femoral pores, which are small openings found on the underside of their thighs. The number of these pores can range from 7 to 20 on each side.
Related Lizards
Phelsuma dubia
Phelsuma dubia, also known as the dull day gecko, is a diurnal gecko species reaching about 15 cm in length. It inhabits trees and areas near human dwellings along the west coast of Madagascar, the Comoros, and the coast of East Africa. Its diet consists of insects and nectar, and it is known to live in small groups.
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.
Cryptoblepharus carnabyi
The inland snake-eyed skink (Cryptoblepharus australis) is a small, swift lizard characterized by fused eyelids and a dorsally depressed body with long, splayed limbs for excellent vertical and horizontal movement. It inhabits arid inland Australia, preferring semi-arid zones, woodlands, shrublands, grasslands, and spinifex environments, and is often found on vertical surfaces like rocks, trees, and buildings. Its diet primarily consists of insects.