Yellow-Bellied House Gecko

Habitat:

This is a medium size lizard with a total length smaller than 20 cm. The species shows large variation in body colour from pale greyish to dark brown or grey. It is active at night and climb walls and ceilings exceptionally well, thanks to the adhesive pads present in their toes. During the day it hides in crevices and is difficult to locate. It can be found mainly in humanized environments and old abandoned villages. They live on the mainland and also on Halul island. The species eat insects and other small invertebrates. They consume baby cockroaches living in houses and gardens at very high speed, such as 8 individuals in 17 seconds. Females lay eggs

World Distribution:

This species is distributed in Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Oman, Socotra Island (Yemen), Egypt, Sudan, Somalia, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Nepal, Pakistan, India and Qatar

Conservation status:

It is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List

Scientific publications:

Of all lizard species living in Qatar, this is the best studied by the international community. We have found 424 international scientific publications. Many studies have been conducted on the physiological aspects of this species, but also about its ecology, behaviour, biogeography and genetics. However, no studies about this species have been conducted in Qatar

Similar species:

None in Qatar

Description:

Rüppell, 1835