Western Banded Gecko

The Western Banded Gecko (Coleonyx variegatus) is a species of lizard in the family Eublepharidae. The species is native to the southwestern United States and adjacent northwestern Mexico. The creosote bush and sagebrush desert, pinyon-juniper forest, catclaw-cedar-grama grass associations, and chaparral environments are just a few of the diverse habitats that the western banded gecko may be found in. Its elevational range reaches a maximum of 1,520 m (4,990 ft) above sea level.

Five subspecies are recognized. The gecko's body is light brown and striped with darker brown bands and spots. The smooth, shiny appearance of the body is due to the microscopic size of the reptile's scales. It also has eyelids, which distinguishes it from other geckos. The western banded gecko is about four to six inches long, including its tail. It is a nocturnal lizard that emerges at night to hunt for insects and other small arthropods. Unusually, it also consumes young scorpions, but in turn, snakes and carnivores like coyotes eat it.