The Common House Gecko (Hemidactylus frenatus) is a non-venomous lizard. It is a reptile. It is also known as Pacific House Gecko, Asian House Gecko, House Lizard, and Moon Lizard.
The Common House Gecko is light to medium brown with a pinkish tinge. Its skin is covered with small nodules. Its feet have five toes with toe pads to help them stick to surfaces, even upside down. It has large orange-brown eyes.
It measures 7-15 centimetres (3-6 inches) in length.
The Common House Gecko is native to south Asia and southeast Asia, in countries such as Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Myanmar, Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Cambodia, as well as tropical northern Australia. It has spread around the world in tropical zones.
It climbs the walls of houses and buildings, which is why it is often called House Lizard. It also likes rotting wood where many insects are found.
It is nocturnal, active at night. It eats insects and spiders.
In winter, it goes into a state of brumation, which is a state of dormancy, similar to hibernation, to withstand the cold.
The Common House Gecko can lose it tail when attacked. It can regenerate a new tail.
It lives, on average, for about 5 years.
Photographer: Martina Nicolls
Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM