 DESCRIPTION:
L=5" (12.7cm). Overall yellowish to tanish to pinkish with brown
bands or blotches. Their skin has fine scales that feel soft and they
have vertical pupils, moveable eyelids (unlike all but the banded geckos)
and thin toes.
NATURAL HISTORY: Carnivorous, feeding on a wide variety of arthropods
and other invertebrates. Nocturnal, hides under rocks, boards, etc. during
the day. The tail is used to store food and water, but will sacrifice
it to avoid predation. When threatened, the gecko will wave its tail,
so that if an attack is made, the predator will get the tail, which breaks
off easily, leaving the predator with the writhing tail while the rest
of the gecko escapes. The tail regenerates, but is shorter and differently-colored
than the original. If handling the Western Banded Geckos take care not
to break off its tail, and be prepared to hear its startling squeak. Lays
eggs. |
