Species profile
Western Banded Gecko
Coleonyx variegatus
At a glance
Western Banded Gecko (Coleonyx variegatus) is an IUCN Least Concern reptile with specific harvest rules tracked in 1 of 65 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
Jurisdictions with rules for Western Banded Gecko
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
Photo credit: iNaturalist / Wikipedia. Identification reference only — verify regulations with the issuing wildlife agency before retaining a catch.