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IUCN status: Least ConcernFlat-tailed House Gecko at a glance
The Flat-tailed House Gecko (Hemidactylus platyurus) is a reptile in the family Gekkonidae. In Indonesia, observation records come mainly from Bali, West Java, Central Java. Diet: insect-eater (insectivore); a carnivore. IUCN Red List status: Least Concern.
| Scientific name | Hemidactylus platyurus |
|---|---|
| Indonesian name | Cecak tembok |
| Group | Reptiles |
| Family | Gekkonidae |
| Observation records | Bali, West Java, Central Java |
| Taxonomic group | Squamata |
| GBIF records | 2,309 human-observation records, 2016–2026 |
| Data retrieved | 2026-09-23 |
| IUCN status | Least Concern · IUCN Red List (via GBIF) · checked 1 October 2026 |
| Diet type | Carnivore (meat-eater) — insect-eater (insectivore) · Ecology Asia |
| Reproduction | Laying eggs (oviparous) · Reptile Database |
| Active | Cathemeral (active irregularly by day and night) — In towns it often hunts insects drawn to artificial lights at night. · Flat-tailed Gecko - Hemidactylus platyurus, Ecology Asia (Nick Baker) |
In this guide (12)
What is the Flat-tailed House Gecko?
Flat-tailed House Gecko refers to Hemidactylus platyurus, 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 Flat-tailed House Gecko?
The flat-tailed house gecko has a noticeably flattened tail; tail and body form help distinguish it from other building-dwelling 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 ↗
How many Indonesian records name the Flat-tailed House Gecko?
When checked on 2026-09-23, the GBIF search returned 2,309 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 Bali, West Java, Central Java. 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 Flat-tailed 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 Flat-tailed House Gecko with Asian 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.
Scientific classification of the Flat-tailed House Gecko
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Reptilia |
| Order | Squamata |
| Family | Gekkonidae |
| Genus | Hemidactylus |
| Species | Hemidactylus platyurus |
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology (for example class Reptilia).
Common questions about the Flat-tailed House Gecko
What is the scientific name of the Flat-tailed House Gecko?
The scientific name of the Flat-tailed House Gecko is Hemidactylus platyurus, in the family Gekkonidae. In Indonesian it is called Cecak tembok.
What kind of animal is the Flat-tailed House Gecko?
The Flat-tailed House Gecko is a reptile in the family Gekkonidae. By diet it is a carnivore (meat-eater): a insect-eater (insectivore).
Where does the Flat-tailed House Gecko live in Indonesia?
Observation records of the Flat-tailed House Gecko summarised in this guide mainly come from Bali, West Java, Central Java. That list is not a complete range map.
What does the Flat-tailed House Gecko eat?
The Flat-tailed House Gecko is a insect-eater (insectivore). That makes it a carnivore (meat-eater). Source: Ecology Asia.
How does the Flat-tailed House Gecko reproduce?
The Flat-tailed House Gecko reproduces by laying eggs (oviparous). Source: Reptile Database.
Is the Flat-tailed House Gecko nocturnal?
The cited source records the Flat-tailed House Gecko as cathemeral (active irregularly by day and night). In towns it often hunts insects drawn to artificial lights at night. Source: Flat-tailed Gecko - Hemidactylus platyurus, Ecology Asia (Nick Baker).
See also the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia.
What is the scientific classification of the Flat-tailed House Gecko?
Scientific classification of the Flat-tailed House Gecko: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Reptilia, order Squamata, family Gekkonidae, genus Hemidactylus, species Hemidactylus platyurus.
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.
Is the Flat-tailed House Gecko endangered?
No, according to the global IUCN assessment. On the IUCN Red List, the Flat-tailed House 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), checked 1 October 2026.
This global category is separate from legal protection in Indonesia. To check whether the Flat-tailed House Gecko is a protected species, consult the current national list of protected species or contact the local BKSDA (natural resources conservation office).
Sources & references
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon ↗
- GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
- iNaturalist — exact species taxon and community observations ↗
- Species account — background reading ↗
- Ecology Asia ↗
- Reptile Database ↗
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF) ↗
- IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, version 2026-1, via GBIF (CC BY 4.0) ↗
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. Flat-tailed House Gecko (Hemidactylus platyurus). Last substantive update: 1 October 2026. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/hemidactylus-platyurus/