About Hemidactylus mabouia (Moreau De Jonnès, 1818)
Nomenclature
This species, scientifically named Hemidactylus mabouia (Moreau De Jonnès, 1818), is commonly called the tropical house gecko.
Average Size and Mass
Its average total length, including the tail, is 10–12.7 centimetres (3.9–5.0 in), and its average mass is 4.6 grams (0.16 oz).
Sexual Size Dimorphism
Females are generally slightly larger than males on average: the average male snout-to-vent length (SVL) is 51.56 mm (2.030 in), while the average female SVL is 54.47 mm (2.144 in).
Coloration and Color Change
This gecko is normally patterned with black and brown bands, and it can slowly change its color in response to ambient temperature and lighting.
Scale Color
Its scales range in color from dark brown to light grey.
Toe Lamellae Function
The tropical house gecko has particularly scaly lamellae on the underside of its toes, which allows it to grip onto vertical surfaces.
Habitat Preference
The tropical house gecko is found predominantly in urban locations.
