Family : GEKKONIDAE
Species : Hemiphyllodactylus typus
Size (snout to vent) : 5 cm
Size (total length) : 10 cm

This small species of gecko seems to prefer the open margins of forested areas, where it is typically seen clinging to the larger leaves of low secondary growth, including shrubs and small trees. It also occurs in mangrove habitat.

In addition to its small size, the species is easily identified by the pale coloured markings on its dorsal surface just above the base of the tail, and by the tip of its tail which is often curled in a prehensile manner.

Its body colour varies from reddish brown to medium brown, and its tail is generally more pale, being cream to yellowish brown. Its body is slender, its limbs are short and its tail slightly shorter than the body. The eyes are large.

This gecko appears to be exclusively nocturnal, and is rarely found in the daytime. It feeds on small insects.

The Lowland Dwarf Gecko has a widespread distribution ranging from the Indian Subcontinent (including Sri Lanka), throughout Southeast Asia to New Guinea and many islands in the Pacific Ocean.

Fig 1 : Pale specimen from Singapore's central forests.

Fig 2 : Specimen on frond of Cyathea tree fern, at the edge of lowland primary forest at Mandai, Singapore.

Fig 3 : Hindlegs and tail of specimen in secondary growth near freshwater swamp forest habitat, Singapore.


References :

Manthey U., Grossmann W., 1997. Amphibien und Reptilien Sudostasiens. Natur und Tier - Verlag.