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Description
Central American Banded Gecko
Scientific Name: Coleonyx mitratus
Common Name: Central American Banded Gecko
Species Overview
Size: Adult Central American Banded Geckos typically reach 6–7 inches (15–18 cm) in total length, including the tail. They are slender, ground-dwelling geckos with smooth skin, delicate limbs, and a slightly flattened head.
Appearance: The Central American Banded Gecko is an elegant, vividly patterned species featuring alternating yellow, tan, and dark brown or black bands across the body and tail. The base colour ranges from light beige to golden, giving excellent contrast to the dark bands. Juveniles tend to show bolder, more defined striping, which becomes softer and more mottled with age. Their large eyes—grey to bronze with vertical pupils—enhance their nocturnal vision. The skin is smooth and glossy, and their tails are plump and rounded, storing fat for energy reserves.
Distribution: Native to Central America, including Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica, where they inhabit dry forests, scrublands, and rocky foothills.
Habitat: In their natural environment, these geckos dwell among leaf litter, rocks, and fallen logs in arid and semi-arid regions. They hide during the day and emerge at night to hunt small invertebrates. In captivity, they thrive in terrestrial terrariums that replicate their warm, moderately dry forest habitats.
Behaviour: Central American Banded Geckos are nocturnal, terrestrial, and naturally cautious but curious. They are gentle and rarely aggressive, making them suitable for both display and light handling. When threatened, they may raise their tails defensively or drop them as a distraction.
Captive Care
Enclosure: Provide a terrestrial enclosure of at least 24 inches × 18 inches × 12 inches (60 × 45 × 30 cm) for a single adult. Use a natural substrate such as a compact soil-sand mix or clay blend that holds shape and maintains low to moderate humidity. Include rock hides, cork bark, and a humid retreat to assist with shedding.
Temperature & Humidity: Maintain a warm-side surface temperature of 88–92°F (31–33°C) and a cool end around 75–80°F (24–27°C). Nighttime temperatures can safely drop to 68–72°F (20–22°C). Keep humidity between 50–65%, misting lightly in the evening to simulate natural dew formation.
Lighting: Low-level UVB lighting (2–5%) on a 12-hour day/night cycle is beneficial but not required. As a nocturnal species, they rely more on heat gradients than bright light.
Diet: Feed a variety of gut-loaded insects such as crickets, roaches, and mealworms. Occasionally offer silkworms or small waxworms as treats. Dust all prey with calcium and multivitamin supplements regularly. Juveniles should be fed daily; adults every 2–3 days.
Behaviour in Captivity: Central American Banded Geckos are hardy, alert, and easy to maintain. Once acclimated, they tolerate gentle handling and often become active and visible at dusk. They thrive in naturalistic setups that promote natural behaviours like hunting and burrowing.
Special Considerations: Always regulate heat sources with a thermostat. Avoid overly humid setups, as stagnant moisture can lead to skin or respiratory issues. Monitor tail thickness as an indicator of overall health and nutrition.
Taxonomy Note
The Central American Banded Gecko (Coleonyx mitratus) belongs to the family Eublepharidae, which includes the Leopard Gecko (Eublepharis macularius) and African Fat-tailed Gecko (Hemitheconyx caudicinctus). Like its relatives, it possesses functional eyelids and lacks adhesive toe pads, making it fully terrestrial. The genus Coleonyx contains several banded species across North and Central America, with C. mitratus being the most tropical member of the group.
Genetics Note
There are currently no recognized colour morphs or genetic variations of Coleonyx mitratus in the reptile trade. However, natural variation occurs among localities, with some populations showing warmer yellow or orange tones and others displaying deeper brown banding. These differences are environmental and regional rather than selectively bred traits.