Hemidactylus bowringii (Gray, 1845)
Bowring's Gecko 原尾蜥虎
Suborder
Lacertilia 蜥蜴亞目
Underside of body whitish.
A few scattered, dark crosslines on the tails. Tail can be as long as the entire body.
Toes with adhesive lamellae, which enable it to cling to all kinds of surface, even smooth glass.
Genus Hemidactylus is characterized by the divided lamellae on the toes.
The most common gecko in Hong Kong.
Commonly seen in and around houses, catchwaters and walls, but is also found in shrubland and grassland.
Usually abundant wherever found.
Is pale, without markings, when active on warm nights. Becomes quite dark when temperature is low.
When picked up by the tail, will discard it in self-defense. Like other geckoes, regenerates a new one later.
The re-grown tail looks different from the original one.
Is attracted to night lights, where it hunts for night-flying insects.
Is known to be killed by extreme cold weather in exposed areas in Hong Kong.
Breeds in spring and summer. Lays 2 eggs in crevices or under objects.
Egg-laying sites may be used consecutively for several years.
The young hatch out in 1 month and are approximately 3 cm in total length.
Ranges from India across Southeast Asia and southern China including Taiwan, to the Ryukyus.
