Hemidactylus frenatus (Duméril & Bibron, 1836)
House Gecko 疣尾蜥虎
Suborder
Lacertilia 蜥蜴亞目
Ventral greyish-white. Snout somewhat pointed. Eye with vertical pupil as in all local geckoes.
Digits elongated and clawed, each with a prominent suction pad made of twin-rows of adhesive lamellae.
Unregenerated tail with rows of enlarged raised spines, which completely encircle the tail.
Genus Hemidactylus is characterized by the divided lamellae on the toes.
Generally found inside houses and other buildings. Closely associated with human habitations.
Hides in crevices and dark places during the day, emerging at night to forage.
Can change body colouration in a certain degree.
At night, the upper surface of the body appears light gray or brown with scattered small spots.
Overall colour becomes darker during the day.
Is attracted to light to feed on night-flying insects, which congregate around light bulbs.
Can emit faint, squeaking noises.
Currently known to occur at only three localities in Hong Kong (North Point, Mount Parker and Tai Po Market).
Occurs in southern China including Taiwan, Japan, South and Southeast Asia. Introduced to Australia, Africa and Mexico.