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Show 628 MR. STANLEY S. FLOWER ON THE [May 16, from M. Pran and Hinlap : subsequently, in Nov. 1897, I caught two more under stones in the jungle near Hinlap (Dong Phya Fai), elevation about 700 feet. Colour (in life). Above brown, spotted very strongly with black. Below grey, mottled with purple. Underneath of head brown. Labials marked with dark purplish brown and pale yellowish brown. Size. Total length 86 m m . (snout to vent 42; tail 44). Hab. Siam. The three species of small House-Geckoes, Hemidactylus frenatus, Hemidactylus platyurus, and Gehyra mutilata, resemble each other in habits, and are collectively called, both by Europeans and natives, by onomatopoetic names :- Siamese: " ching-chok." Malay: " chichak " (pronounced " chee-chah " ) . 34. HEMIDACTYLUS FRENATUS (Schleg.). Hemidactylus frenatus, Cantor, p. 23 ; Stol. J. A. S. B. 1870, p. 104; Blgr. Cat. Liz. i. p. 120; S. Flower, P. Z. S. 1896, p. 865. Localities. This seems the commonest House-Gecko throughout the Malay Peninsula and Siam ; I have obtained it in the following places :-Penang, from sea-level up to 2260 feet elevation ; Pulo Tikus (Rat Island) near Penang ; Perak, from Matang (sea-level), Taiping, Kuala Kangsa, Ipoh and Batu Gajah ; Selangor, from Kuala Lumpor; Johore, from Johore Bahru and from D u m - druan Estate, Gunong Pulai; Kedah, from Alor Star; Siam, from Bangkok, Ayuthia, Pakpreo, Pachim, Tahkamen, Bortong Kabin, and Chantaboon. I have not seen this species in Singapore, but Cantor records it from there, and there can be no reason why it should not be as numerous there as elsewhere. This Gecko was numerous on a boat in which we travelled for some weeks on the Bangpakong river, and I have also caught it at sea on board a steamer plying between Hongkong, Bangkok, Singapore, and West Australia, which helps to show how the species may have got its present wide distribution. Habits. It frequents houses, gardens, and the open country (where it hides under stones during the daytime), but indoors it is by no means strictly nocturnal. If kept in confinement, it will eat mealworms readily. Colour. The adult seems to have considerable power in changing its colour; usually it is buff or ashy brown, but I have seen individuals very dark brown, almost black. The markings also come and go, but a darkish-brown line on the side of the head, passing through the eye, is usually constant and edged with yellow above. The young (like those of Gehyra mutilata) are very prettily marked: the upper surface is brown with darker and lighter spots, a darker lateral line, tail ringed alternately dark brown and yellow; lower surface immaculate buff, except the tail, which may be coral-red. |