Western Banded Gecko

Enclosure type

Terrestrial glass or PVC enclosure; low profile; terrestrial species needs floor space

Substrate

Sand/soil mix, paper towels, or reptile carpet. They may lightly burrow. Avoid overly moist substrates.

Hides

Multiple low-profile hides; humid hide with damp moss for shedding

Notes

Minimum 10-gallon for adults. Provide multiple hides, shallow substrate for light burrowing, and secure lid. They are terrestrial and don't need height.

Ambient / cool side

70-75°F (21-24°C)

Basking spot

85-90°F (29-32°C)

Nighttime

65-75°F (18-24°C)

Heating method

Under-tank heater covering 1/3 of tank with thermostat

Humidity range

30-50%

Maintenance

Mist lightly 1-2x per week. Provide humid hide with damp moss.

UVB

Not required; nocturnal species

Photoperiod

12 hours on / 12 hours off; ambient room lighting sufficient

Lighting notes

No UVB required. Provide day/night cycle with ambient room lighting. They are nocturnal.

Staple food

Small crickets, pinhead crickets, fruit flies

Variety

Small mealworms; prey must be appropriately small due to tiny mouths

Frequency

Every other day; offer 3-5 appropriately sized insects. Do not overfeed as they are prone to obesity.

Supplements

Dust insects with calcium with D3 twice per week and multivitamin once per week.

Notes

Insectivore: Small crickets, fruit flies, pinhead crickets, small mealworms. Prey must be small - they have tiny mouths.

Water bowl

Shallow dish; change every 2-3 days

Notes

Provide shallow water dish. Change every 2-3 days. They rarely drink visibly but need access to water.

Disposition

Extremely delicate; observation species only; not recommended for handling

Recommendations

Extremely delicate and NOT recommended for handling. They are fast, fragile, and their skin tears easily. Their tails drop very easily. Enjoy as observation animals only.

Skin tears, tail loss from handling/stress, dehydration, and difficulty obtaining appropriately small prey.

Western banded geckos can live 15-20 years. They are one of the only North American gecko species with eyelids (not true geckos taxonomically). Very small and delicate - better suited for advanced keepers. Males can be housed together sometimes unlike most geckos. Nocturnal and secretive - spend much time in hides. Best suited for keepers who want a naturalistic display with minimal intervention. Their care is simple but they are fragile and not interactive.