Texas Banded Gecko
Coleonyx brevis
These geckos are small and slender with an average total length between 3.9-4.7 inches although the females are generally larger than males. The head and eyes are large a…
How to identify
These geckos are small and slender with an average total length between 3.9-4.7 inches although the females are generally larger than males. The head and eyes are large and the eyes have vertical pupils. On the toes, there are no climbing pads. The dorsal side of this lizard has granular scales and the coloration is usually brownish with alternating crossbands of brown and pale yellow or pink. They have a distinctive set of blotches and spots on the body that become more apparent with age.
Range
The range of the Texas banded gecko includes Texas and southern regions of New Mexico in the United States and some northeastern parts of Mexico. They are mostly found in the southwest Trans-Pecos region in Texas and the South Texas thorn scrub.
Habitat
The Texas banded geckos are typically found in dry, rocky terrains. They shelter in burrows, dens or underneath flat rocks, or in rock crevices. The geckos are oviparous and the breeding season is from March to April. The females lay eggs in clutches of two eggs and deposit them in an underground burrow. They are primarily nocturnal and prey on various kinds of arthropods and insects mainly termites, crickets, and moths.
Similar species
The Western Banded Gecko (Coleonyx variegatus) has very similar features with the Texas banded gecko. However, Coleonyx variegatus is slightly larger with an average length range between 4-6 inches. Its body is sandy-colored and it has dark bands and small scales that lend the lizard a silky feel. The Mediterranean House Gecko (Hemidactylus turcicus) is usually around 5 inches in length, has a rounded snout, and has elliptical pupils. The skin is tan or purple and has dark spots usually with a striped tail. The undersides are translucent to some degree. Common Leopard Gecko (Eublepharis macularius) is much larger than most other species of geckos, with adults reaching up to 8 inches. The wild leopard gecko has a darker coloration compared to those bred in captivity. They have small bumps on their dorsal sides which lends their body a rough texture.
Name and etymology
Brevis: Latin for short or breif.
At a glance
Size
10.1 to 12.1 cm
Range
The range of the Texas banded gecko includes Texas and southern regions of New Mexico in the United States and some northeast…
Habitat
The Texas banded geckos are typically found in dry, rocky terrains. They shelter in burrows, dens or underneath flat rocks, o…
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap