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Banded Gecko Care
(Coleonyx mitratus, C. elegans, C. brevis & C. variegatus)

General

The genus Coleonyx has species across the Southwestern United States, Mexico and Central America, generally faring well in captivity. In the UK the most commonly seen Banded Gecko is the Central or Mexican Banded Gecko (Coleonyx mitratus), although rare, it is possible to acquire C. elegans. variegatus and C.brevis from specialist breeders or occasional imports.

Banded geckos come in a variety of sizes, but for this Care Guide we will mainly concentrate on C.mitratus & C.elegans - both of which can reach maximum sizes of 4 inches. Coleonyx are members of the Eublepharidae family of geckos, meaning they have vertical pupils, movable eyelids, fine granular scales, and lack adhesive lamellae. They are closely related to Leopard Geckos, but differ considerably in size and environmental requirements.

Their ground colour ranges from pink to pale yellow, with traverse bands of brown. As the geckos mature, the bands break upon the case of C.mitratus, resulting in varying degrees of spotting. C.elegans retain their bands & stripes, but these become more yellow with maturity

Housing

Banded geckos are primarily nocturnal and crevice dwelling, so thrive even in horizontally oriented vivaria. Being relatively small, they do not require over-large environments, and can be kept quite successfully in the large fauna boxes. They spend their days under rocks or debris in areas that have a much higher relative humidity than the surrounding habitat, so this must be taken into account when furnishing the viv.

These geckos have been wrongly kept in all dry enclosures, resulting in early death through dehydration. The preferred substrate medium is either cocofibre or a cocofibre/sand mix to a depth of 2". The top layer can be dry, but the bottom layers must remain moist We also provide moss over a third of the enclosure to provide a humid area, and our geckos are always found sheltered within their hide at this end of the viv.

A temperature of 75-80F on the cool end and 85F on the warm end with a 10 degree drop at night is preferred, with heat best provided by the use of a heatmat - controlled by a suitable thermostat - under one third of the enclosure. Overhead lighting is only really necessary if your viv contains live plants. Humidity is best maintained by spraying the moist end every other day.

Feeding & Behaviour

The main diet can be gut-loaded crickets of appropriate size. Other small insects such as locusts, spiders & the occasional waxworm should be offered for variation. Feed three to four times a week, with vitamin & mineral supplements added every other feed. Calcium is especially important and is best provided in a small bowl for the geckos to help themselves.

Banded Geckos are almost cat-like in their movement, being rather slow and prowling, especially when hunting. However, once they get a fix on their prey they become very animated, often lifting their tails above their backs and waving them about before pouncing. Tail waving is also used as a sign of warning if they feel threatened. Like other geckos,

Bandeds share the ability to shed their tails as a form of defence, so great care should be taken when handling. It is always preferable to allow the gecko approach you rather than the other way around. Once trust & recognition is gained, you will hopefully no longer appear as a predator.

Breeding & Hatchling Care

Coleonyx can breed readily in captivity provided their environmental conditions are met. Male banded geckos are very easy to distinguish as they have small "spurs" on either side of the base of the tail along with prominent bulges either side. Males also have larger pre-femoral pores than females. Banded geckos are reach sexually maturity at 9 - 12 months, although it is best to wait until they are at least a year old until pairing them.

A winter cooling period in conjunction with reduced day-length at 50-60F is required to induce breeding activity. After this cooling period, gradually increase the day-length & temperature and feed them more frequently. When they are ready, breeding behaviour will be noticed with the male approaching the female and biting the back of the neck during copulation. Unfortunately the male can be a little too keen sometimes, resulting in a wound which may need attention. If this is the case, then remove the male to allow the female time to heal & recover.

Eggs will be laid up to 4 weeks after copulation, with the females often choosing to lay their eggs in the most humid section of their enclosure. Eggs should be removed and incubated at 80 - 85F in your preferred incubation medium at a relative humidity of 60 - 80%. The females will lay several clutches of two soft-shelled eggs during the breeding season. Incubation times range from 45-75 days depending upon temperature fluctuations..
The young can be raised in the same conditions as the adults with suitably sized prey items offered daily. They are very delicate at this stage and care should be taken to ensure their environment is never allowed to dry out completely. Water is best provided by means of a gentle spray daily

Conclusion

Banded geckos are a small but beautiful formed member of the Eublepharidae genus and very rewarding to keep.. Captive bred Coleonyx are always preferable to wild caught and should always be sought from breeders, who will be able to offer further insights into the successful keeping of this wonderful species.