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Common House Gecko

Gekkonidae

Photo: tjeales · CC BY-SA (May be cropped or resized)

Hemidactylus frenatus

Basic stats

Diet

Insects and spiders

Habitat

Urban areas, also bushland

Range

South and Southeast Asia and Near Oceania; introduced elsewhere

Size

7.5–15cm

The Asian house gecko, also called the common house gecko, wall gecko or moon lizard, is native to South and Southeast Asia and Near Oceania. It is nocturnal, hiding by day and foraging for insects at night, and is often seen on walls of houses and other buildings hunting insects around lights. It grows to 7.5 to 15 cm and lives about 7 years. It is recognisable by its chirping call. The name frenatus, meaning harnessed or bridled, refers to the dark streaks on the sides of the head (Wikipedia, general species account).

It is harmless to people, though it may bite if distressed. It is a tropical species that thrives in warm, humid areas and strongly prefers urban environments, where it can displace less robust gecko species (Wikipedia, general species account).

Quick answers

What does the Common House Gecko eat?
Insects and spiders
What habitat does the Common House Gecko live in?
Urban areas, also bushland
Where is the Common House Gecko found?
South and Southeast Asia and Near Oceania; introduced elsewhere
How big is the Common House Gecko?
7.5–15cm
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