Western Banded Gecko (Coleonyx variegatus)

Western Banded Gecko Coleonyx variegatus
Name	Western Banded Gecko
Name Lat.	Coleonyx variegatus
Family	Geckos
Family lat.	Gekkonidae
Order	Scaled Reptiles
Order lat.	Squamata
Origin	North America
Habitat	Savanna
Diet	Insects
Humidity	40-60 %
Behavior	Nocturnal, ♂ territorial
Keeping	Individual, pair, harem
Care Level	Moderate
Reproduction	Oviparous
Housing	Dry terrarium
Life Span	8-10 years
Protection	No
Metric Units
Size	15 cm
Temperature	25-30 °C
Temperature Local	30-35 °C
Housing Size	60 x 40 x 40 cm
US Units
Size	6"
Temperature	77-86 °F
Temperature Local	86-95 °F
Housing Size	25" x 15" x 15"

Distribution and habitat

The predominantly nocturnal banded clawed geckos are widespread in the southern United States and northern Mexico. There they inhabit the savannahs and semi-deserts sparsely covered with grasses and bushes.

Maintenance

Minimum dimensions for the terrarium, according to the size and number of animals

1-2 animals

4KRL x 3KRL x 2KRL (L x W x H)

Head-torso length (KRL) is measured on the largest animal. For each additional animal, increase the footprint by 15%. A terrarium of e.g. 60 x 40 x 40 cm is recommended, which should be placed in a quiet and vibration-free place

You will need a terrarium structured with roots and stones (hiding places and privacy screens), a substrate of sand/clay mixture and boulders, a small water container and potted plants (e.g. euphorbia, aloe, ivy vines). A small part of the substrate, especially the lower layers, should always be kept moist. Once a day, preferably in the evening, the inside of the terrarium should be finely sprayed with water (humidity).

Temp. day: 25-30 °C

Temp. night: 18-20 °C

Temp. local: up to 35 °C

Humidity: 40-60

Thermostatically controlled floor heating is recommended. Lighting duration must be 12-14 hrs. Daylight fluorescent tubes are ideal. No special UV light is required for crepuscular and nocturnal animals.

Diet

The food supply consists of live insects, such as crickets, house crickets, grasshoppers, millipedes, zophobas and mealybug larvae. Alternatively, special ready-made food for insectivorous reptiles can be offered, possibly with tweezers for habituation. Wax moths should only be fed in small amounts to adults, but not to juveniles, because of their large fat content. Regular addition of minerals and vitamins (dusting of food) is important. Young animals should be offered food daily, adult animals 4-5 times a week. Drinking water must always be available

A regular and varied diet promotes health and prevents deficiency symptoms.

Reproduction and breeding

The male has a stronger build, a broader head and clearly visible preanal pores.

The female usually buries two soft-shelled eggs in the sandy substrate. Several egg deposits per year are possible. At a temperature of 28-30 °C the incubation period is 42-65 days. Small insects such as fruit flies and micro crickets are suitable as initial food for the young.

Important

Adult males are very territorial and incompatible with each other. However, they can be kept well in a group, one male with 2-4 females.

For the resting phase, the lighting duration is shortened by 3-4 hours and the temperature is lowered by 3-4 °C for approx. two months, depending on the origin of the animals.

With fruit and honey water as food for the feeders, their quality can be upgraded.

The terrarium must have good ventilation without drafts and meet the species-specific needs

Measuring devices such as thermometers, hygrometers, etc. are necessary. The lighting has to correspond to the species-specific day-night rhythm and has to be placed in such a way that the animals cannot injure themselves. The terrarium should be locked in such a way that neither unauthorized persons can open it nor the animals can escape. Contamination must be removed regularly.

Further literature can be found in your pet store.

References

Text: Christian Sänger; Image: Franz Lowak

Source: BMELV (1997): Tierschutzgutachten - Mindestanforderungen an die Haltung von Reptilien; ENGELMANN (2006): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Reptilien und Amphibien, Harri Deutsch Verlag

• Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF