Indo-Pacific gecko

Indo-Pacific gecko
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Gekkonidae
Genus: Hemidactylus
Species:
H. garnotii
Binomial name
Hemidactylus garnotii
Synonyms[2]
  • Hemidactylus garnotii
    A.M.C. Duméril & Bibron, 1836
  • Hoplodion garnotii
    — Fitzinger, 1843
  • Doryura garnotii
    — Gray, 1845
  • Hemidactylus garnotii
    — Boulenger, 1885
  • Lepidodactylus garnotii
    — Henshaw, 1902
  • Hemidactylus garnoti [sic]
    — de Rooij, 1915
  • Hemidactylus garnotii
    — Conant & Collins, 1991

The Indo-Pacific gecko (Hemidactylus garnotii), also known commonly as Garnot's house gecko, fox gecko, and the Assam greyish brown gecko, is a species of lizard in the family Gekkonidae. The species is found in India, across Southeast Asia, Australia, and throughout Polynesia. Adults are about 4 to 5 in (10 to 13 cm) in total length (including tail). They are seen as dark gray or brown with light markings in daylight and a pale, translucent colour at night. The belly is orange or yellow. The head has a long, narrow snout, hence the name fox gecko. The flattened tail has a row of spiny scales on the lateral edges. The species is parthenogenic – all individuals are female and lay eggs that hatch without requiring male fertilisation.[3]

In Hawaii, the species is thought to be a long-term resident. Formerly considered a house gecko, it has been displaced to natural habitats by the more recently arrived common house gecko.[3] In Florida and Georgia, it has become established as an invasive species of concern.[4][5]

  1. ^ Thaksintham, W.; Sumontha, M.; Phimmachak, S.; Neang, T.; Lwin, K.; Stuart, B.L.; Wogan, G.; Danaisawat, P.; Yang, J.; Iskandar, D.; Wang, Y. (2021). "Hemidactylus garnotii ". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2021: e.T176157A1434934. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2021-3.RLTS.T176157A1434934.en. Retrieved 18 February 2022.
  2. ^ Species Hemidactylus garnotii at The Reptile Database www.reptile-database.org.
  3. ^ a b Pascatore, Linda (2008). "Birds and Plants of Kauai: The Gecko" Archived 2011-07-23 at the Wayback Machine. accessed 6 February 2011
  4. ^ Everglades CISMA Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area website, "Indo-Pacific Gecko" page, accessed 6 February 2011
  5. ^ Georgia Invasive Species Task Force website, "Other Invasive Species of Concern in Georgia", accessed 6 February 2011