By The Western Banded Gecko (Coleonyx variegatus) is a fascinating reptile belonging to the Eublepharidae family. Known for their unique appearance and adaptability to harsh environments, these geckos make for an interesting addition to any reptile enthusiast’s collection. In this comprehensive care sheet and species profile, we will cover everything you need to know about the Western Banded Gecko, from their physical description and natural habitat to their diet, breeding, and more.
Table of Contents
Physical Description
The Western Banded Gecko is a small to medium-sized lizard, measuring approximately 4 to 6 inches in length. They are characterized by their pale pink translucent skin, adorned with distinctive dark brown bands that run across their bodies. These bands are more prominent in younger geckos and gradually transform into spots or blotches as the gecko ages.
The skin of the Western Banded Gecko is covered in small, granular scales that give it a silky-smooth texture. Unlike other gecko species, they possess moveable eyelids and vertical pupils, setting them apart from the typical wall-climbing geckos. Their limbs feature slender toes without adhesive pads, and their tails are wide and bulky, with a slightly constricted base. The tail serves as a storage site for fat, a crucial energy source during lean times.
Males can be distinguished from females by the presence of spurs, called preanal pores, located at the base of their tails. Additionally, males tend to be slightly smaller than females.
Natural Habitat and Distribution
Western Banded Geckos are native to the Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico, inhabiting a diverse range of environments such as deserts, rocky areas, sand dunes, woodlands, and creosote bushes. Their elevational range extends from below sea level up to approximately 1,520 meters (4,986 feet).
These geckos are well-adapted to thrive in harsh conditions, from dry, wind-blown sand dunes to rugged rocky slopes and barren high desert plateaus. Despite their delicate appearance, Western Banded Geckos are hardy and resilient creatures.
Behavior and Unique Features
As primarily nocturnal animals, Western Banded Geckos are most active during the night. During the day, they seek refuge beneath debris, logs, and in moist rock crevices to avoid the intense heat. Their hunting strategy involves stalking prey, such as insects and arachnids, within rodent burrows and other hiding spots.
One notable aspect of their behavior is the use of their tail as a defense mechanism. When threatened, the gecko will raise its tail and wave it, often arching it over their back. This display serves as a decoy to divert the attention of potential predators. Their tail is equipped with specialized fracture planes that allow it to break off easily, enabling the gecko to escape. However, tail regeneration is an energetically costly process, and the new tail is often shorter, with different scales and color patterns, and lacks the fracture planes of the original.
Western Banded Geckos are also known to mimic the behavior of scorpions, sharing a similar gait and carriage. This mimicry may serve as an additional defense strategy to deter predators by appearing more dangerous than they truly are.
Captive Housing Requirements
To properly house a Western Banded Gecko in captivity, a 10-gallon terrarium with a secure top is recommended. Due to their terrestrial nature and lack of adhesive toe pads, these geckos do not require a tall enclosure. However, it is essential to provide ample floor space for them to explore and move around.
The terrarium should be furnished with a suitable substrate, such as ground coconut coir, organic topsoil, terrarium carpet, coarse gravel, or Sani Chips, to a depth of about one inch. A heating pad should be installed on one end of the tank to create a warm spot with temperatures between 85 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit (29.4 and 32.2 degrees Celsius). A heat emitter or heat lamp may also be required to achieve the desired temperature.
It is important to use a black or red light variety heat lamp, as Western Banded Geckos are primarily active at night and may be disturbed by bright lights. A shallow water bowl should be provided on the cooler end of the enclosure, along with at least two hides – one on the warm end and another on the cool end.
To maintain proper humidity levels, damp moss can be placed beneath some of the hides. This will aid the gecko during the shedding process. The moss should be dampened weekly and replaced monthly.
Diet and Feeding
In the wild, Western Banded Geckos consume a variety of insects and arachnids. Their captive diet should reflect this diversity, including items such as crickets, mealworms, small roaches, waxworms, and other readily available insects. It is recommended to dust the prey items with a calcium supplement every other feeding to ensure proper nutrition.
These geckos should be fed three times per week, providing them with as much food as they can consume within a five-minute period. Their feeding schedule may need to be adjusted according to the gecko’s age, size, and activity level.
Breeding and Reproduction
Breeding Western Banded Geckos in captivity is relatively simple, as they readily reproduce when housed under the right conditions. They reach sexual maturity when they measure at least 2 inches in length, excluding the tail. To encourage successful breeding, it is essential to mimic their natural environment and seasonal changes.
Beginning in November, reduce the gecko’s feeding schedule and gradually lower the enclosure temperature to around 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18.3 degrees Celsius) for two months. During this time, also reduce the daytime light exposure to eight hours per day. This cooling period stimulates the enlargement of the male’s testes and the production of strong sperm.
In mid-February or early March, gradually increase the enclosure temperature and daylight hours to stimulate increased feeding and breeding activity. Mating typically occurs at night, with the male approaching the female and biting her on the neck before transferring his sperm. Gravid females develop two eggs, which can be seen through their translucent belly.
Once eggs are detected, prepare a nesting box filled with moist moss or vermiculite and place it within the enclosure. The female will lay her eggs in the nesting box, after which the eggs should be transferred to an incubator or separate container with temperatures between 80 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit (26.7 and 29.4 degrees Celsius) and 80% humidity. The eggs will hatch in approximately six weeks, producing 1-inch-long hatchlings.
Handling and Interaction
Due to their small size and skittish nature, Western Banded Geckos should not be handled regularly. They may become stressed and agitated when handled, potentially leading to injury or escape attempts. It is advisable to interact with your gecko through indirect means, such as feeding with tongs.
Conservation Status
Western Banded Geckos are currently classified as a species of Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). They are not considered at risk due to their widespread distribution and abundant populations throughout their natural range.
Should You Get a Western Banded Gecko?
If you are considering adding a Western Banded Gecko to your reptile collection, it is essential to ensure that you can meet their specific care requirements. A suitable enclosure, proper diet, and attention to temperature and humidity levels are crucial to their health and well-being.
While not as common in the pet trade as other gecko species, Western Banded Geckos can be obtained through licensed breeders or specialized reptile shops. If you are willing to invest the time and effort into providing the proper care, a Western Banded Gecko can be a rewarding and fascinating addition to your home.