The Western Banded Gecko (Coleonyx variegatus ssp) USA subs

Coleonyx

New member
Subspecies

San Diego Banded Gecko (Coleonyx variegatus abbotti)
[no image- if anyone has any though that I could use, please pm me]

Tucson Banded Gecko (Coleonyx variegatus bogerti)
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Utah Banded Gecko (Coleonyx variegatus utahensis)
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Desert Banded Gecko (Coleonyx variegatus variegatus
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Origin
The western banded geckos come from deserts in Southern California, Southern Nevada, Arizona, Southwestern Utah, and Mexico. The habitat is usually rocky but can vary from sand dunes to thorn scrub. The substrate in the geckos’ habitats consists largely of coarse aggregate. Organic material only accounts for a small amount of the surface substrate and exists the forms of dried leaves, grasses, and twigs.
In the field, they are usually found beneath stones and debris. They also inhabit rodent burrows. At night, you can find them on the road. They are generally most common in May and June, and are found in their highest numbers after a rain. The gecko that experienced the highest temperatures is the desert banded gecko and the gecko that inhabits areas with the coolest temperatures is the San Diego banded gecko. The Tucson banded gecko experienced monsoon rains in the months of July and August. It is in these months that this subspecies is most active.

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Coleonyx variegatus utahensis habitat in Mojave Co., AZ

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Coleonyx variegatus variegatus habitat in Clark Co., NV

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Coleonyx variegatus bogerti habitat in Pima Co., AZ

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Coleonyx variegatus abbotti habitat in San Diego Co., CA

Captive Care
A simple 10 gallon aquarium will fit a group of 1.2 -1.4 and will provide adequate ventilation when fitted with a screen lid. Although a desert species, it is often construed that the gecko would have the same requirements as a collard lizard or chuckwalla, both of which are found within the geckos’ range. The gecko spends most, if not all of its active time at night, where temperatures are cooler and humidity is higher. In their habitat, they are most often found after a rain. In captivity they appreciate a nightly misting of their enclosure. The temperatures should be around 90 degrees on the warm side, and 75-80 degrees on the cool side. . UVA/UVB lighting is not necessary, and it will most likely not be used by the geckos. A simple fluorescent fixture is adequate for providing the proper photoperiod. The substrate can consist of sand, or a mixture of fine and coconut fiber. A 3-5 inch layer is appreciated by the gecko, which burrows occasionally. The geckos feed on appropriately sized crickets and roaches, and the occasional waxworm.

Morphs/Color varients
The only varients I am aware of are
-albino (abbotti & variegatus)
-vertebral striped (variegatus)
-melanistic (utahensis)
-patternless/white (leucistic?) (variegatus)
-spotted (variegatus)
-abberant (all)
I have pics of almost all but as most of them aren't mine, I am unable to post them. If you would like pics, please pm me.

Sexual Dimorphism
Males are smaller and posess enlarged cloacal spurs.

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Females are larger and lack enlarged cloacal spurs.

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Breeding
Although a 6 week brumation is recommended to give females a rest, no special care is needed to start breeding, and if you have a male and a female, they will usually breed by themselves. Incubate eggs at 77-83 degrees F and they will hatch between 45 and 80 days. Damp perlite, sand, or vermiculite can be used as an incubating medium.
 
Help with posting pics of my Western Banded Geckos!!!

Hi this is my first post and i want to know how to post some pictures od my 8 Western Banded Geckos? and can you send me a pic of the albino one please?

Thanks John Paul

2 males.6 Females
 
Last edited:

Roki

New member
Western banded gecko Pic

Found this guy in the desert.
 

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Cresties4Life

New member
My little guy wont let me hold him. Hes so fast. Putting him in a critter ceeper more than likely.


Cresteds 1:0:1
Garter Snake 0:1:0
Fence lizard 1:0:0
Western Banded Gecko 0:1:0
 

Riverside Reptiles

Administrator (HMFIC)
We have a forum here specifically for coleonyx which is where you should be posting pictures, questions, etc. Not here in the caresheet thread.
 
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