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Schlegel's Japanese Gecko (Nihon Yamori)

Gekko japonicus

Sep.5.2012 Matsue/Shimane/Japan

Range : Japan(Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu), China, South Korea

Schlegel's Japanese Gecko is the most common gecko in Japan. They are also found in South Korea and China.
In Japan, these geckos are known as "YAMORI" which means "house guardian". This is because they are respected as a helpful guest that eats pesky insects. No one would kill these geckos here.
Mostly they live in manmade structures. Conversely, it's hard to find them in wild. They are often found around lumps at night, because insects are attracted to the light and are easily caught.

Schlegel's Japanese Gecko face

Sep.5.2012 Matsue/Shimane/Japan

Schlegel's Japanese Gecko face

I think they are cute, but in a close up shot they are a little scary. Especially because their iris is similar to a monster's.

Schlegel's Japanese Gecko face

Sep.5.2012 Matsue/Shimane/Japan

Schlegel's Japanese Gecko face

Their head is flat so that they can easily hide in cracks and small spaces.

Schlegel's Japanese Gecko living in my room

Sep.5.2012 Matsue/Shimane/Japan

Schlegel's Japanese Gecko living in my room

One time when I returened to my apartment at midnight, I found a gecko was wating for me in the living room. I'm sure if my wife had found it, she would have screamed.

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