Hemidactylus parvimaculatus

Scientific name. Hemidactylus parvimaculatus

Common Name. Sri Lanka Spotted House Gecko

General information. A nocturnal species that can be found on walls near outside light sources, eating insects and spiders.

Protected status. The Sri Lanka Spotted Gecko is not a protected species in Texas and can be legally collected with a hunting license.

Diagnostic features. Enlarged keeled tubercles in 16–20 longitudinal rows (more rows than H. turcicus). Tubercles on tail longish tail (H. turcicus with shorter tail and smaller tubercles).

Coloration. Without the strongly contrasting banded tail of Hemidactylus turcicus, this species has a similar light tan/brown dorsal surface with three longitudinal rows of irregular dark brown spots

General distribution. This species, native to southeast Asia, is an introduced species in the New World and is found in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas.

Texas distribution. In Texas, Hemidactylus parvimaculatus has been found at multiple localities in east Texas and the Lower Rio Grande Valley

Habitat. Found in open forests in its native range, this species has only been found around human-built structures in the US.

Reproduction. Unknown in US. Likely similar to other Hemidactylus: breed in spring and early summer, clutch of 1-2 eggs hatching in August.

Size. Adult Hemidactylus parvimaculatus reach body lengths of 6 cm (2.5 in) and total lengths of 10–11.5 cm (4–4.5 in), including tail.

Map. Map is based on museum voucher specimens.