WESTERN BANDED GECKO by Stuart Dodsworth
Coleonyx variegatusDistribution
This member of the Eublepharidae family occurs throughout the South
Western USA all the way up to North Western Mexico. It occurs in arid
regions throughout its range. 
There are around six subspecies, which
are currently recognized, these are the San Diego Banded Gecko (Coleonyx
variegatus abbotti), Desert Banded Gecko (Coleonyx variegatus variegatus),
Utah Banded Gecko (Coleonyx variegatus utahensis), Tucson Banded Gecko
(Coleonyx variegatus bogerti), Sonoran Banded Gecko (Coleonyx variegatus
sonoriensis) and the Santa Inez Island Banded Gecko (Coleonyx variegatus
slevini).
Prior to getting this species research as much as possible and if possible
spend time with a current keeper to see if this is the species for you,
it is also worth joining your local reptile society/group as they will
be able to give you hints and tips (and you may be able to do the same
for them).
Size
This species of gecko is usually 12.7 to 15cm (5-6") in total body
length as an adult, with males usually being slightly smaller.
Diet
In the wild this species of gecko eat a wide range of insects and their
larvae, along with spiders and small snails. In captivity they should
be fed every other day (For adults) on appropriately sized crickets,
locusts, waxworms and mealworms. All foods should be dusted with calcium
powder and gut loaded prior to feeding.
Requirements
· Heat Source: - The heat source should always be thermostatically
controlled and guarded to prevent thermal burns. 
Heat sources that can
be used for this species are Ceramic heaters or heat mats.
· Ultra Violet Light Source: - This is essential for this species
and the best brand to use at present is the Reptisun 2.0. It should
be positioned no more than 30cm away from the basking animal and left
on for 10-12 hours daily. This should be replaced every 6-7 months depending
on the manufacturer's advice. Care should be taken if your reptile has
unpigmented eyes (amelanistic or albinos or any other red eyed morph)
as it can damage their eyes. UV lights should never be placed behind
glass or plastic as this filters out the essential UV rays. Vitamin
D3 supplements should not be used whilst UV lighting is used.
· Thermostat: - These should always be used on heat sources to
prevent excessive temperatures damaging your reptile.
· Housing: - This should consist of a dark wooden Vivarium with
glass frontage and adequate ventilation. Due to their shy nature the
vivarium should be situated away from drafty, busy areas of the house
and well away from any vibrations such as speakers, TVs, etc as the
vibrations distress the animals. A Vivarium measuring 75cm by 45cm by
45cm (2.5ft x 18" x 18") should be sufficient for an adult
pair. Hatchlings can be kept in a smaller container inside their future
Vivarium.
· Wire Mesh Guards: - These should be fitted over all heat sources
used in order to prevent any thermal burns from occurring.
· Thermometers: - One should be placed at either end of the vivarium.
Never go by the temperature on the thermostat, as this is often incorrect.
· Hides: - These are an essential part of any vivarium as they
provide the animals with an area to escape from the stresses of over
exposure. Cardboard tubes, plant pots, boxes, etc all make good hides.
Water and Humidity
This species requires low levels of humidity. However a shallow water
bowl should be provided at all times. A humid hide containing damp sphagnum
moss should be provided in order to prevent disecdysis.
Temperature
A temperature gradient should be supplied varying from 24 to 31C (75
to 88F). This will allow the geckos to thermo-regulate effectively.
Longevity
This species of Gecko can live up to 20 years of age with some possibly
exceeding this. The average seems to be around 10 to 15 years.
Substrate
Calcium sand or paper are the best substrates to use with this species,
if calcium sand is used it should be filled to an adequate depth (1
to 1¼") to allow them to behave naturally.
NB - Photograph taken from http://www.sdnhm.org/fieldguide/herps/cole-var.html
and is © San Diego Natural History Museum.
Map taken from http://lifemapper.org/robotfood/Reptile/Coleonyx%20variegatus.HTM
Recommended Reading/Useful Contacts
Stuart Dodsworth - stuartandlynette@dodsworth2005.wanadoo.co.uk
The International Herpetological Society - www.international-herp-society.co.uk
The British Herpetological Society - www.thebhs.org
Taxonomy Information - http://srs.embl-heidelberg.de:8000/srs5bin/cgi-bin/wgetz?-e+[REPTILIA-Species:'Coleonyx_SP_variegatus']
http://www.pondturtle.com/llizb.html#Coleonyx - Information on the longevity
of this species.