A small nocturnal gecko endemic to southwestern deserts. Among the smallest native US lizards.

Also called: Western Banded Gecko

Native status: Native; southwestern US into Mexico

§ Quick facts

SizeTotal length 10–15 cm (4–6 in)
Weight4–6 g
LifespanWild 5–8 years; captive 15+
OrderSquamata
FamilyEublepharidae

§ Encyclopedia

The western banded gecko is a species of lizard in the family Eublepharidae. The species is native to the southwestern United States and adjacent northwestern Mexico. Five subspecies are recognized.

Source: Wikipedia — Western banded gecko Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Small slender lizard with translucent pink-tan skin and brown bands across body; large dark eyes with vertical pupils; thin tail with banded pattern (or regenerated as a thick, less-patterned blob).

Similar species. Other Coleonyx geckos (different ranges/patterns). Introduced Mediterranean Gecko (no eyelids, urban-associated).

Voice. High-pitched squeaks when handled.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Small insects (crickets, ants, termites), spiders, scorpions, occasional small lizards.

Behavior. Nocturnal; spends days under rocks, in rodent burrows, or in crevices. One of the few US geckos with movable eyelids (most geckos lack them and lick their eyes clean instead). Tail readily breaks off (autotomy) as escape mechanism; regrows shorter and less ornately patterned. Often vocalizes when handled — unusual among lizards.

§ Range

Southwestern US deserts

§ Habitat

Rocky desert habitats

§ Threats

Habitat loss, climate change.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the banded gecko is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Support southwestern desert conservation.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • Arizona Game and Fish Department
  • California Herps
  • iNaturalist
  • IUCN Red List 2007