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House Gecko
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- Order: Squamata (scaled reptiles)
- Suborder: Lacertilia (=Sauria) (lizards)
- Family: Gekkonidae (geckos)
- Genus: Hemidactylus (house geckos)
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| Also Known As:
spiny-tailed house gecko, chichak |
Scientific Name: Hemidactylus
frenatus Dumeril and Bibron, 1836 |
| Habitat: Just about
anywhere in tropical areas, with a preference for man-made
structures. |
Hemi="half," dactylus="finger,"
frenatus="bridled"
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| Length: To 5 inches total. |
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| Food: Insects. |
Range: Due to international trade,
now found worldwide in suitable climate zones. |
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It's ironic that the gecko, which has become an
icon of the islands, is not even a native species. It was
introduced so long ago though that it has spread throughout the
state. This specimen was found on my brother-in-law's house on
O'ahu. My hand is in the corner of the picture for scale. Geckos
are the only lizards which normally vocalize (although other
lizards, such as anoles, may squeak under stress). These geckos
make a sound which is a lot like someone smacking their lips, in
series of around 9 "smacks" at a time. |
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