# Common Four-clawed Gecko

> Common Four-clawed Gecko (Gehyra mutilata). The four-clawed gecko is widespread; its common name points to foot structure, while species identification still needs toe detail and locality.

Source: https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/gehyra-mutilata/ · Updated 1 October 2026 · English · Bahasa Indonesia: https://panduanhewan.org/id/spesies/gehyra-mutilata/
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**Review status:** This guide was compiled from the listed species sources and observation records; it has not been reviewed by a taxonomic specialist. GBIF records are neither a census nor proof of native range.

## Quick answer

The Common Four-clawed Gecko (*Gehyra mutilata*) is a reptile in the family Gekkonidae. In Indonesia, observation records come mainly from West Java, Central Java, Bali. Diet: insect-eater (insectivore); occasionally takes human food scraps; a carnivore. IUCN Red List status: Least Concern.

| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | *Gehyra mutilata* |
| Indonesian name | Cecak Gula |
| Group | Reptiles |
| Family | Gekkonidae |
| Observation records | West Java, Central Java, Bali |
| Taxonomic group | Squamata |
| GBIF records | 476 human-observation records, 2016–2026 |
| Data retrieved | 2026-09-23 |
| IUCN status | Least Concern · [IUCN Red List (via GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/species/2446249) · checked 1 October 2026 |
| Diet type | Carnivore (meat-eater) — insect-eater (insectivore); occasionally takes human food scraps · [British Herpetological Society](https://www.thebhs.org/publications/the-herpetological-bulletin/issue-number-149-autumn-2019/1965-8-opportunistic-feeding-by-house-dwelling-geckos-does-this-make-them-more-successful-invaders/file) |
| Reproduction | Laying eggs (oviparous) · [Reptile Database](https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Gehyra&species=mutilata) |
| Active | Nocturnal (active at night) · [ReptTraits v1-2 (Oskyrko et al. 2024, Scientific Data 11:243), column 'Active time'](https://figshare.com/articles/dataset/ReptTraits_a_comprehensive_database_of_ecological_traits_in_reptiles/24572683) |

## What is the Common Four-clawed Gecko?

Common Four-clawed Gecko refers to Gehyra mutilata, in the genus Gehyra, family Gekkonidae, and class Squamata. The scientific name follows the accepted taxon in the GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Common names can vary between places; the scientific name distinguishes this species from relatives.

Evidence: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon](https://www.gbif.org/species/2446249)

## What is known about the Common Four-clawed Gecko?

The four-clawed gecko is widespread; its common name points to foot structure, while species identification still needs toe detail and locality.

Read that fact alongside the scientific name and species source, not as proof from an unclear photograph. Populations, ages and taxonomic limits can differ; when identification is uncertain, record the broader group.

Evidence: [Species account — background reading](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gehyra%20mutilata)

## How many Indonesian records name the Common Four-clawed Gecko?

When checked on 2026-09-23, the GBIF search returned 476 human-observation records from Indonesia under this species name for 2016–2026. That is a count of indexed records, not an estimate of population, abundance or unique individuals. Observation effort can vary by location, and the count may change as records are added or identifications revised.

Evidence: [GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026](https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/search?country=ID&speciesKey=2446249&basisOfRecord=HUMAN_OBSERVATION&year=2016%2C2026&limit=0&facet=stateProvince&facetLimit=7)

## Where were observations reported?

Place labels appearing in the results include West Java, Central Java, Bali. They are labels attached to records, not a complete range map or evidence that the species occurs only there. Some labels may be broad or inconsistent. Check the underlying records before using the location information for field decisions.

Evidence: [GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026](https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/search?country=ID&speciesKey=2446249&basisOfRecord=HUMAN_OBSERVATION&year=2016%2C2026&limit=0&facet=stateProvince&facetLimit=7)

## How can you observe the Common Four-clawed Gecko?

A safe-distance photograph can record body, head and tail pattern and locality without handling the animal. Colour alone cannot establish whether a snake is venomous; seek local professional help if there is risk. A well-documented sighting helps others check the identification without turning one encounter into a conservation-status claim.

## Explore related animals

To explore this group further, compare Common Four-clawed Gecko with Marbled Bow-fingered Gecko, Double-spotted Gecko, Tokay Gecko. These links reflect a shared genus, family, order, class or catalogue group; taxonomic proximity does not imply identical habitat needs or conservation status.

## Scientific classification of the Common Four-clawed Gecko

| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Reptilia |
| Order | Squamata |
| Family | Gekkonidae |
| Genus | *Gehyra* |
| Species | *Gehyra mutilata* |

Source: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c)

## Common questions about the Common Four-clawed Gecko

### What is the scientific name of the Common Four-clawed Gecko?

The scientific name of the Common Four-clawed Gecko is *Gehyra mutilata*, in the family Gekkonidae. In Indonesian it is called Cecak Gula.

### What kind of animal is the Common Four-clawed Gecko?

The Common Four-clawed Gecko is a reptile in the family Gekkonidae. By diet it is a carnivore (meat-eater): a insect-eater (insectivore); occasionally takes human food scraps.

### Where does the Common Four-clawed Gecko live in Indonesia?

Observation records of the Common Four-clawed Gecko summarised in this guide mainly come from West Java, Central Java, Bali. That list is not a complete range map.

### What does the Common Four-clawed Gecko eat?

The Common Four-clawed Gecko is a insect-eater (insectivore); occasionally takes human food scraps. That makes it a carnivore (meat-eater). Source: [British Herpetological Society](https://www.thebhs.org/publications/the-herpetological-bulletin/issue-number-149-autumn-2019/1965-8-opportunistic-feeding-by-house-dwelling-geckos-does-this-make-them-more-successful-invaders/file).

### How does the Common Four-clawed Gecko reproduce?

The Common Four-clawed Gecko reproduces by laying eggs (oviparous). Source: [Reptile Database](https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Gehyra&species=mutilata).

### Is the Common Four-clawed Gecko nocturnal?

The cited source records the Common Four-clawed Gecko as nocturnal (active at night). Source: [ReptTraits v1-2 (Oskyrko et al. 2024, Scientific Data 11:243), column 'Active time'](https://figshare.com/articles/dataset/ReptTraits_a_comprehensive_database_of_ecological_traits_in_reptiles/24572683).

See also [the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/nocturnal-and-diurnal-animals/).

### What is the scientific classification of the Common Four-clawed Gecko?

Scientific classification of the Common Four-clawed Gecko: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Reptilia, order Squamata, family Gekkonidae, genus *Gehyra*, species *Gehyra mutilata*.

Source: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c), adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.

### Is the Common Four-clawed Gecko endangered?

No, according to the global IUCN assessment. On the IUCN Red List, the Common Four-clawed Gecko is listed as Least Concern: it does not qualify for a threatened category or for Near Threatened in the global assessment. Source: [IUCN Red List (via GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/species/2446249), checked 1 October 2026.

This global category is separate from legal protection in Indonesia. To check whether the Common Four-clawed Gecko is a protected species, consult the current national list of [protected species](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/protected/) or contact the local [BKSDA](https://panduanhewan.org/en/bksda-offices/) (natural resources conservation office).

## Sources & references

1. [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon](https://www.gbif.org/species/2446249)
2. [GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026](https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/search?country=ID&speciesKey=2446249&basisOfRecord=HUMAN_OBSERVATION&year=2016%2C2026&limit=0&facet=stateProvince&facetLimit=7)
3. [iNaturalist — exact species taxon and community observations](https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/34630)
4. [Species account — background reading](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gehyra%20mutilata)
5. [British Herpetological Society](https://www.thebhs.org/publications/the-herpetological-bulletin/issue-number-149-autumn-2019/1965-8-opportunistic-feeding-by-house-dwelling-geckos-does-this-make-them-more-successful-invaders/file)
6. [Reptile Database](https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Gehyra&species=mutilata)
7. [ReptTraits v1-2 (Oskyrko et al. 2024, Scientific Data 11:243), column 'Active time'](https://figshare.com/articles/dataset/ReptTraits_a_comprehensive_database_of_ecological_traits_in_reptiles/24572683)
8. [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c)

## Keep exploring

- [Marbled Bow-fingered Gecko](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/cyrtodactylus-marmoratus/)
- [Double-spotted Gecko](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/gekko-monarchus/)
- [Tokay Gecko](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/gekko-gecko/)
- [Flat-tailed House Gecko](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/hemidactylus-platyurus/)
- [Asian House Gecko](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/hemidactylus-frenatus/)
- [Oriental Long-tailed Grass Lizard](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/takydromus-sexlineatus/)

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Cite: PanduanHewan. (2026). Common Four-clawed Gecko. PanduanHewan.org. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/gehyra-mutilata/