Quick answer
Asian House Gecko at a glance
The Asian House Gecko (Hemidactylus frenatus) is a reptile in the family Gekkonidae. In Indonesia, observation records come mainly from West Java, Yogyakarta, Bali. Diet: insect- and spider-eater (insectivore); a carnivore.
| Scientific name | Hemidactylus frenatus |
|---|---|
| Indonesian name | Cicak rumah |
| Group | Reptiles |
| Family | Gekkonidae |
| Observation records | West Java, Yogyakarta, Bali |
| Linked habitats | Urban Habitats |
| Taxonomic group | Squamata |
| GBIF records | 1,480 human-observation records, 2016–2026 |
| Data retrieved | 2026-09-23 |
| Diet type | Carnivore (meat-eater) — insect- and spider-eater (insectivore) · Animal Diversity Web |
| Reproduction | Laying eggs (oviparous) · Reptile Database |
| Venom or poison | Not venomous · Animal Diversity Web: Hemidactylus frenatus |
| Active | Nocturnal (active at night) · ReptTraits v1-2 (Oskyrko et al. 2024, Scientific Data 11:243), column 'Active time' |
In this guide (13)
What is the Asian House Gecko?
Asian House Gecko refers to Hemidactylus frenatus, in the genus Hemidactylus, 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.
What is known about the Asian House Gecko?
The Asian house gecko often lives on buildings and hunts insects around lights; separate it from flat-tailed house geckos.
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 ↗
Habitat and field observations of the Asian House Gecko
A West Sumatran herpetofauna survey recorded this house gecko on lighted buildings. The observation supports its association with settlements but does not show how numerous it is in any particular town.
Evidence: Teynié, David & Ohler (2010) — Western Sumatra herpetofauna field study ↗
How many Indonesian records name the Asian House Gecko?
When checked on 2026-09-23, the GBIF search returned 1,480 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 ↗
Where were observations reported?
Place labels appearing in the results include West Java, Yogyakarta, 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 ↗
How can you observe the Asian House 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 Asian House Gecko with Flat-tailed House Gecko, Common Four-clawed Gecko, Marbled Bow-fingered Gecko. These links reflect a shared genus, family, order, class or catalogue group; taxonomic proximity does not imply identical habitat needs or conservation status.
Explore related habitats
These habitat relationships are supported by species sources in this guide. This is not a complete range map.
Scientific classification of the Asian House Gecko
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Reptilia |
| Order | Squamata |
| Family | Gekkonidae |
| Genus | Hemidactylus |
| Species | Hemidactylus frenatus |
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology (for example class Reptilia).
Common questions about the Asian House Gecko
What is the scientific name of the Asian House Gecko?
The scientific name of the Asian House Gecko is Hemidactylus frenatus, in the family Gekkonidae. In Indonesian it is called Cicak rumah.
What kind of animal is the Asian House Gecko?
The Asian House Gecko is a reptile in the family Gekkonidae. By diet it is a carnivore (meat-eater): a insect- and spider-eater (insectivore).
Where does the Asian House Gecko live in Indonesia?
Observation records of the Asian House Gecko summarised in this guide mainly come from West Java, Yogyakarta, Bali. That list is not a complete range map.
Source-supported habitats: Urban Habitats.
What does the Asian House Gecko eat?
The Asian House Gecko is a insect- and spider-eater (insectivore). That makes it a carnivore (meat-eater). Source: Animal Diversity Web.
How does the Asian House Gecko reproduce?
The Asian House Gecko reproduces by laying eggs (oviparous). Source: Reptile Database.
Is the Asian House Gecko venomous?
No. The Asian House Gecko is not venomous. The house gecko is not venomous and is harmless to people. Source: Animal Diversity Web: Hemidactylus frenatus.
Do not catch, handle or disturb wild animals. If bitten, stung or exposed to its toxins, go to the nearest health facility straight away.
Is the Asian House Gecko nocturnal?
The cited source records the Asian House Gecko as nocturnal (active at night). Source: ReptTraits v1-2 (Oskyrko et al. 2024, Scientific Data 11:243), column 'Active time'.
See also the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia.
What is the scientific classification of the Asian House Gecko?
Scientific classification of the Asian House Gecko: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Reptilia, order Squamata, family Gekkonidae, genus Hemidactylus, species Hemidactylus frenatus.
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.
Compare with similar animals
Sources & references
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon ↗
- GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
- Teynié, David & Ohler (2010) — Western Sumatra herpetofauna field study ↗
- iNaturalist — exact species taxon and community observations ↗
- Species account — background reading ↗
- Animal Diversity Web ↗
- Reptile Database ↗
- ReptTraits v1-2 (Oskyrko et al. 2024, Scientific Data 11:243), column 'Active time' ↗
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF) ↗
References can change. Check dates and context in the original source. How we use sources and data →
Cite this page
Credit PanduanHewan when referring to this page. Check the original evidence sources before reusing a claim.
PanduanHewan. Asian House Gecko (Hemidactylus frenatus). Last substantive update: 1 October 2026. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/hemidactylus-frenatus/