AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Hemidactylus frenatus
Common House Gecko
Schlegel, 1836
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A medium-sized gecko with soft skin, often in shades of grayish, pinkish, or whitish, which can change slightly depending on mood or temperature. It has dilated toes with adhesive pads (lamellae) that allow it to adhere to almost any smooth surface. Its eyes are large, with vertical pupils, and it lacks movable eyelids, using its tongue to clean the ocular surface.
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Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Reptilia
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Squamata
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Gekkonidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Hemidactylus
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Schlegel, 1836
Record Completeness
96%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Introduced
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Increasing
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Insectivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Highly synanthropic species. Although native to Southeast Asia, it has successfully established itself in homes, warehouses, and urban areas throughout the Neotropics. It prefers walls, ceilings, and areas near artificial light sources where insects congregate.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Reptile of nocturnal and crepuscular activity, highly active in human environments. It spends the day hidden in cracks and dark areas, coming out at dusk to hunt under artificial lights. It is a very agile animal, capable of making precise jumps and quick movements to escape predators or capture prey.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Solitary and territorial animal, although in areas with high food availability (near artificial lights) dense groupings can be observed. Males are aggressive towards other males and actively defend their hunting areas through vocalizations and postural displays.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Opportunistic insectivore. Its diet consists mainly of small and medium-sized insects, such as moths, mosquitoes, beetles, spiders, and small cockroaches. It uses a stalking hunting style, waiting patiently near light sources before pouncing on the prey with a quick movement.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Functions as a regulator of insect populations in urban and peri-urban ecosystems, consuming a large quantity of mosquitoes, moths, and cockroaches. In turn, it is preyed upon by domestic cats, insectivorous birds, large spiders, and snakes, integrating effectively into highly altered trophic webs.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Oviparous species. The female generally deposits 2 hard-shelled eggs in protected cracks or under bark. These eggs are very resistant and can hatch after a variable incubation period. The ability to reproduce throughout the year in tropical climates has contributed significantly to its success as an invasive species.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
7.0 - 13.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
3 g - 8 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.2 - 2
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).Yes
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
0.5 - 1 Years
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
40 - 50
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males3 - 5 Years
Females3 - 5 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Moderate. Males usually have a noticeably thicker tail base, where the hemipenes are housed. Additionally, they may present more visible preanal pores.
Females Multi-lang
Females are generally smaller and lack the robustness of the male's tail base, presenting a more slender morphology in the cloacal region.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Adhesion via Van der Waals forces: Its toes possess millions of microscopic bristles called setae that, upon contact with a surface, generate intermolecular forces allowing it to walk on glass and even inverted ceilings.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Competition with native fauna: Its great colonization capacity and trophic efficiency can displace local gecko species by competing for the same food resources and shelter sites.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Vocalization: Unlike many other lizards, this gecko is quite noisy. It emits a series of distinct clicks or squeaks (chick-chick-chick) used to communicate with other individuals and defend its territory.