Fig. 3. Distributions of Gekko hokouensis and Gekko japonicus. Ranges of the former and the 
latter are outlined by broken and complete lines, respectively. Cross-marks indicate localities of 
specimens of G. hokouensis cited in the present study****. 
On the basis of the above characteristics, we identified 271 specimens out of 1018 of G. japoni- 
cus (sensu lato) as hokouensis, and the remaining 747 as japonicus (sensu stricto). The former 
specimens were collected from 17 prefectures of six provinces, and the latter from 50 prefectures 
or cities of 12 provinces. The sampling localities of hokouensis are scattered within the range of 
japonicus (Fig. 3). 
Conditions of natural habitats also differ between these two gekkonids; while hokouensis has its 
habitat in montane environments, japonicus is widely distributed in cities and villages of the plain 
regions. In Jiujiang (Kiukiang) City, for example, japonicus is found in urban area, whereas hok- 
ouensis in Lushan-haihui (Lushan-haihui), Bailudong (Bailudong) and Guling (Kuling). In Yixing 
(Ising) Prefecture, japonicus and hokouensis occur in the lowland and montane areas, respectively. 
The mutual displacement between hokouensis (a mountain dwelling species) and japonicus (a plain 
dwelling species) around a sympatric area much resembles the displacement between Eremias 
brenchleyii and E. argus. However, there are some areas where both of these gekkonids are col- 
lected from the same point at the same time. For example, of the 25 specimens obtained within a 
city of Chong'an (Chungan) Prefecture, on 26-27 June 1978, 15 specimens were identified as 
japonicus and the remainder as hokouensis. No intermediate forms were found among the above 
specimens. 
Based on the morphological distinctiveness, sympatric occurrence, and ecological differences, 
we remove hokouensis from the subspecific status of G. japonicus, and regard it as a distinct 
species Gekko hokouensis Pope. 
