SUMMARY
PREVALENCE: Common
ACTIVE PERIOD: Nocturnal
KEY ID FEATURES: Narrow head, tail wide at the base with no tubercles on the edges
BEHAVIOR: Found on walls, trees the underside of roofs and overhangs
SIZE: 13cm
IUCN: LC - Least Concerned
GALLERY
IMPORTANT: Many geckos look similar and require experience to identify. Geckos and skinks also drop their tails readily if handled which is a stressful and energy intensive issue, so great care should be taken when interacting with lizards in Hong Kong.
DESCRIPTION
Bowring’s gecko is one of the more common geckos to encounter in Hong Kong can can be found practically everywhere including small islands. They are of average size for Hong Kong gecko species, rarely exceeding 12 to 14cm in total length, with a snout to vent length of approximately 5 to 7cm. Head is relatively narrow and pointed at the snout. Bowring’s geckos have a black stripe on the side of the head starting just behind the nostril and extending back through the eye and terminating at the back of the jaw. The black stripe transitions to a broken black line or black blotches along the sides with similar black blotches on the back. The tail, if not regenerated, has jagged black bands on top running down the length. The markings are less obvious when the animal changes to lighter coloration, which this and other species in Hong Kong are capable of doing. Regenerated tails are uniform in color, often gray. Scales on the body are granular with no distinct enlarged scales or tubercles. Venter or belly generally a whitish color from the underside of the head all the way down through the tail.
The pads or “Lamellae” on the fore and rear limbs are divided in part on all digits with claws extending beyond the end most lamella, also on each digit. Approximately 14 lamella on the third, fourth and fifth fore limb digits, 12 on the second, and 9 on the first. 15 to 17 lamellae on the thrid to fifth digits of the rear limb, approximately 14 on the second and 9 on the first. Lamellae pad count may vary slightly between individuals.
The mental shield or chin scale under the mouth is large and triangular. Two pairs of mental scales with the first two in contact and second pair separated.
The tail is slightly laterally compressed and narrow just after the cloaca then widens thereafter before tapering again toward the tip.
BEHAVIOR
They can often be found at night running along railings in country parks or climbing on walls and other structures in search of insects.
As with most gecko species in Hong Kong, Bowring’s geckos lay two eggs at a time in crevices and otherwise hard to access spots.
HABITAT
This species is capable of establishing populations in forested and disturbed habitat as well as in populated areas.
MISTAKEN IDENTITY
Bowring’s geckos are most easily confused with Garnot’s geckos, another extremely common species with similar markings, dimensions and overall size. The most obvious distinguishing feature between the two are the tubercles or spines running down the side of the tail on the Garnot’s geckos. If the Garnot’s tail is regenerated the spines will only be present at the base of the tail however, and require a close viewing to confirm. In addition the Garnot’s gecko has a bright yellow venter, often with a bright orange underside to the tail. Under close examination the Garnot’s also has a highly reduced first digit with a claw extending far past the last lamellae.