SUMMARY
PREVALENCE: Common
ACTIVE PERIOD: Nocturnal
KEY ID FEATURES: Narrow head, tail with evenly spaced bands of conical tubercles on the dorsal side
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
The house gecko is a less common species to encounter in Hong Kong, though records of new populations showing a growingly expansive distribution continue to be made. They are an averaged size for Hong Kong gecko species, rarely exceeding 13cm in total length with a snout to vent length of approximately 5 to 6cm. The head is wider at the jaw and distinct from the neck, tapering to a moderately rounded snout. House geckos have a dark stripe running from the nose down the side of the head and along the side of the body. On top of the head is often a “v” shaped marking transitioning to a single stripe at the back of the head and running the length of the body, terminating at the base of the tail. Two additional stripes run from either side of the neck down either side of the dorsum also terminating at the base of the tail. These markings are more difficult to discern when the gecko changes to lighter coloration, which this and other species in Hong Kong are capable of doing. Tail is often uniform in color with some light dark mottling present. The venter is light yellow or cream colored including the subcaudals.
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 13 to 15 lamella on the third, fourth and fifth fore limb digits, 12 on the second, and 6 on the first. The first digit is noticeably reduced on both fore and rear limbs though the claw does not extend far beyond the end most lamellae unlike on Garnot’s gecko. On the rear limb, roughly 14 lamellae on the fifth digit, 17 to 18 on the fourth digit, 16 on the third, 12 on the second, and 7 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 to three pairs of mental scales with the first two in contact and second and third pair separated.
The tail is conical. Bands of enlarged tubercles, a key identifying feature of the species run the length of the tail. Tubercles are not present if the tail is regenerated, but can still be seen on the upper most portion of the tail by the cloaca in such cases. There are also enlarged tubercles on the body, though less obvious than those on the tail.
BEHAVIOR
House geckos reproduces sexually but evidence suggests they may also do so through parthenogenesis, where unfertilized eggs will develop embryos. They can often be found at night climbing on walls and other structures in search of insects.
HABITAT
This species is capable of establishing populations in forested and disturbed habitat as well as in populated areas.
MISTAKEN IDENTITY
House geckos are generally unique in appearance but could be mistaken for Garnot’s, Bowring’s, or possibly Chinese geckos at a quick glance. A brief examination of the tail to determine if there are bands of enlarged tubercles is the easiest way to determine ID for this species.