California
Coleonyx variegatus  John H. Tashjian, California Academy of Sciences | |
| Type of Animal: | Reptiles |
|---|---|
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Family: | Gekkonidae |
| Federal Status: | |
| State Status: | |
| Occurrence: | |
| Habitat: | Creosote Scrub,Sagebrush,Desert,Chaparral |
| Description: | Banded geckos live in desert habitats in rocky areas, along canyon walls, or on sand dunes. They are a nocturnal species and are most active about two hours after sunset. Some individuals may also be seen basking in late afternoon. During the day they seek cover under rocks, fallen vegetation, in mammal burrows, and even under cow dung! They are active from April to October. Some young geckos may remain active for the entire year. Banded geckos feed on insects, spiders, and arthropods. When stalking prey, they often wag their tails slowly like cats do when they stalk prey. The breeding season takes place in April and May. Females lay eggs between May and September. The eggs hatch between July and November. Females can lay up to three clutches per year, with two eggs in each clutch. Banded geckos have many predators, the most common being snakes. They are also preyed upon by poisonous spiders and arthropods, coyotes, and foxes. When threatened, banded geckos raise their tails as a defense mechanism. If the tail is attacked, it can break away from the body so that the gecko can escape unharmed. The tail will grow back. |
| Effort: | |
| References: | Behler et al. 1979. National Audubon Society Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians. Stebbins 1985. Peterson Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians, Second Edition. Zeiner et al. (editors). 1988. California’s Wildlife, Volume I, Amphibians and Reptiles. |
| Other Sites: | Life history account for Western Banded Gecko (PDF) - California Dept. of Fish and Game |
| Field Office(s): | Barstow; Bishop; Palm Springs; Ridgecrest |