Geographic range: Palearctic, Nearctic, Oriental, Ethiopian, Neotropical, Australian, Oceanic Islands, African: Hemidactylus frenatus is widely distributed and native to Southern Asia, the Pacific Islands, tropical Africa, Australia and Polynesia. It was introduced by human agency to other zoogeographical zones.

Physical characteristics: Body (8 -10 cm) covered with small granular scales, some scales slightly larger and keeled. ventral scales are smooth and much larger than dorsal scales. Eyes covered by transparent spectacles, pupils vertically elliptical with serrated edges. Tail is encircled by whorls of enlarged pointed tubercles. Limbs relatively short and stout. At night upper surface light gray, tan or brown with scattered small spots. Overall color darker during day.

Food habits: Foraging takes place during night when geckos congregate near lights to capture insects.

Reproduction: Possibly breads year -round. Two eggs are produced per clutch.

Behavior: This nocturnal and arboreal species is closely tied to human habitations. During day can be found beneath surface debris and under loose bark of trees, in houses in sheltered artificial hideaways, such as electrical installations, air condition units, lamps, etc. Both sexes vocalize, producing a loud chirp, usually uttered during aggressive interactions.

Habitat: In or near human habitations and tree trunks.