Family : GEKKONIDAE
Species : Hemidactylus frenatus
Size (snout to vent) : 6.5 cm
Size (total length) : 13.5 cm

References : H1, H2

As its alternative name, the Common House Gecko,  implies, this is a common species associated with human habitation, in both rural and urban areas. Mainly nocturnal, by day it may still be active under the eaves of buildings, huts and other man-made structures.

Mottled dark brown to pale brown in colour, it can be distinguished from other common 'house geckos' by its tail which is oval in cross-section and possesses a row of tiny spikes on either side (see inset).  

Its distribution ranges throughout mainland Asia and Southeast Asia, and as far afield as south and east Africa and across the Pacific Ocean to Mexico. 

Close-up of the tail showing the arrangement of  spines.