Family : GEKKONIDAE
Species : Gekko monarchus
Size (snout to vent) : 10 cm
Size (total length) : 22 cm

This medium-sized gecko is easily identified by the pairs of black spots along its ventral surface, and by the black 'W' at the back of the neck. This nocturnal species occurs in lowland forest, both primary and secondary, as well as rock crevices, old buildings and road culverts.

Its eggs are laid in pairs in the leaf litter or rotting logs, or else adhered to walls or other man-made structures.

It ranges from Southern Thailand through Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore to the islands of Borneo, Sumatra, Java, Sulawesi, the Moluccas, New Guinea and the Philippines.

Fig 1 : Specimen from Nikoi Island, Riau Archipelago, Indonesia in a rock crevice.

Fig 2 : Specimen from Pulau Rawa, Johor, Peninsular Malaysia.

Fig 3 : The eggs are laid in pairs, and adhere to the surface of walls, crevices or caves.

Fig 4 : Consuming a wasp at Belum, Peninsular Malaysia.

Fig 5 : Juvenile found at the edge of freshwater swamp forest, Singapore.

Fig 6 : This example, at Sungai Relau near the western entrance to Taman Negara, Peninsular Malaysia, fell prey to a Buffy Fish Owl. Thanks to Evan Quah for confirming the identity of the gecko.


References :

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