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Text and photos by Nick Baker, unless otherwise stated

 EcologyAsia 2008
Copyright ©
 
 
     

 

 
   
Four-clawed Gecko
   

Adult, photographed at Labrador Park, Singapore.
 

Juvenile with pale spots, from the western part of Singapore.

 

Family : GEKKONIDAE
Species : Gehyra mutilata
Size (snout to vent) :6 cm
Size (total length) : 12 cm

References : H1, H2

The four-clawed Gecko is a common species which thrives in various habitats, including forests and urban areas. Its vernacular name derives from the absence or near-absence of a claw on the inner digit of its fore and hind feet. The other toes and fingers are equipped with well-developed, curved claws.

The finely granular skin may be somewhat translucent, so it appears pinkish or purplish in colour : juveniles may have minute pale spots on the head and neck. The relatively thick tail is oval in cross-section and has an absence of spines. The head is relatively large.

 
 

Close-up of the hind foot showing the absence of a claw on the inner toe.
 

The species is to be found throughout Southeast Asia including Burma, Thailand, Indochina, Malaysia, Singapore and most of Indonesia. Its range extends across the Pacific to Hawaii and Mexico.