Species profile
Western Banded Gecko
Coleonyx variegatus
Identify Western Banded Gecko (Coleonyx variegatus) from a photo: try it free in your browser, or get unlimited IDs, no sign-up, with the CatchRules iPhone app.
At a glance
Western Banded Gecko (Coleonyx variegatus) is an IUCN Least Concern reptile with specific harvest rules tracked in 1 of 66 jurisdictions covered by CatchRules.
Confirmed by 4,774 research-grade iNaturalist observations, with Arizona, California, and Nevada the top jurisdictions by observation count.
Notable details
- Unlike most geckos, the western banded gecko has movable, functional eyelids.
- Before striking at prey, it slowly waves its tail in a stalking behavior similar to a hunting cat.
- It can voluntarily shed its tail to escape a predator's grip and will slowly regrow a replacement.
- Adults measure about 4 to 6 inches total length, including the tail.
- Strictly nocturnal, it hides under rocks and in rock crevices during the heat of the desert day.
Where Western Banded Gecko are seen
Background
Coleonyx variegatus, the western banded gecko, is a species of gecko found in the southwestern United States (southern California, southwest New Mexico, southern Arizona, Utah, Nevada) and northern Mexico (Sonora, northwest Baja California). Five subspecies are recognized.
Background excerpt adapted from Wikipedia's Western Banded Gecko article (CC BY-SA). Visit Wikipedia for the full entry.
Other reptiles on CatchRules
Frequently asked questions
What is Western Banded Gecko?
Western Banded Gecko (Coleonyx variegatus) is an IUCN Least Concern reptile with specific harvest rules tracked in 1 of 66 jurisdictions covered by CatchRules.
What is the scientific name for Western Banded Gecko?
Western Banded Gecko is Coleonyx variegatus.
Are there fishing rules for Western Banded Gecko?
Western Banded Gecko does not currently have published fishing rules in CatchRules' curated jurisdictions. Identification, range, and habitat are still tracked above.
How can I identify Western Banded Gecko?
Take a photo with the free CatchRules iPhone app — on-device identification recognizes Western Banded Gecko along with ~1,500 other species. No sign-up, unlimited use.
Photo credit: iNaturalist / Wikipedia. Identification reference only — verify regulations with the issuing wildlife agency before retaining a catch.