Asian house gecko

• Reptile 11–15cm long (including tail).
• Males are generally longer and heavier than females and have a wider jaw.
• Scales are uniform, with distinctive, slightly enlarged spines scattered over back and in bands around tail.
• Colour varies from matte grey or light brown to beige or iridescent greenish with whitish underside.

• Most abundant in urban environments, often seen on house walls and windows at night.
• Also inhabits woodlands, forest fragments, open fields, rocky areas, coconut palm trunks, rotting logs and dense ground covers.
• Suited to tropical and subtropical areas and absent in cooler climates.

• Abundant in Brisbane and urban areas along Queensland coast.

• Life expectancy 5 years.
• Breeding occurs throughout year in tropical areas, but is seasonal in cooler climates (breeding occurs in summer in Brisbane).
• Sexually mature at 1 year of age.
• Females are believed to store sperm for up to a year, which may contribute to their invasive success.

Environmental

• Eats wide range of prey, possibly causing declines in urban populations of some native insects and spiders.
• Competes with native geckos for resources.

Social

• Can chew electrical wiring and damage appliances such as air conditioners.
• Can be general nuisance inside residences.

• Cats, snakes, rats, dogs, large spiders, birds, preying mantids and larger lizards.

• The Asian house gecko is not a prohibited or restricted invasive animal under the Biosecurity Act 2014. However, by law, everyone has a general biosecurity obligation (GBO) to take reasonable and practical steps to minimise the risks associated with invasive animals under their control.
• Local governments must have a biosecurity plan that covers invasive animals in their area. This plan may include actions to be taken on Asian house geckos. Some of these actions may be required under local laws. Contact your local government for more information.