The flat-tailed house gecko is a small, nocturnal lizard commonly found in homes and buildings in warm regions of Asia.
Basic facts
- Scientific name: Hemidactylus platyurus
- Type: Gecko (a kind of small lizard)
- Size: About 8–12 cm (including tail)
- Color: Light brown to gray with mottled patterns for camouflage
Key features
- Flattened tail: Used for camouflage—it can look like a leaf or bark, helping it hide from predators
- Sticky toe pads: Lets it climb walls, ceilings, and glass easily
- Big eyes: Adapted for night vision
Habitat
- Common in:
- Houses (walls, ceilings, corners)
- Gardens and tree bark
- Warm, humid environments
- Often found near lights at night because they hunt insects attracted to light
Diet
- Mainly eats:
- Mosquitoes
- Moths
- Small flying insects
👉 This makes it beneficial in homes as a natural pest controller
Behavior
- Nocturnal (active at night)
- Shy and harmless to humans
- Communicates with soft chirps or clicks
Is it dangerous?
No. It is completely harmless to people and pets. It does not bite in any meaningful way and is actually useful.
If you want, I can tell you how to distinguish it from other house geckos commonly found in Pakistan.
