Description: Texas banded geckos are small, terrestrial lizards, rarely exceeding 4 inches in length. They have alternating bands of yellow and brown or pink colored banding down their body, generally with black accenting on the bands, and sometimes with varying degrees of black speckling. Hatchlings and juveniles display a banded pattern; the banded pattern gets a more mottled appearance as the gecko becomes an adult.
Habitat: Habitats include rocky limestone foothills with desert scrub vegetation such as creosote bush, acacia, and juniper; canyons, creviced escarpments, and low earthen hills. The species is particularly common in areas of flat rock and succulent vegetative debris. When inactive, individuals hide under rocks, debris, or in crevices, and they may be found under debris near human habitations. The species also occurs on sand dunes.
Range: It is found in western Texas and in southeastern New Mexico in the United States, and in Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo León, and Durango in Mexico.
Diet: Primarily nocturnal and carnivorous, they will consume almost any kind of small arthropods.
Reproduction: Reproduction occurs in the late spring, and they lay one or two eggs, which are surprisingly large compared to the size of the gecko. Eggs are laid probably underground or under rocks.
Status: Listed as Least Concern due to its wide distribution. The extent of occurrence, area of occupancy, number of subpopulations, and abundance appear to be relatively stable and because no major threats have been identified.
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Disclaimer: ITIS taxonomy is based on the latest scientific consensus available, and is provided as a general reference source for interested parties. However, it is not a legal authority for statutory or regulatory purposes. While every effort has been made to provide the most reliable and up-to-date information available, ultimate legal requirements with respect to species are contained in provisions of treaties to which the United States is a party, wildlife statutes, regulations, and any applicable notices that have been published in the Federal Register. For further information on U.S. legal requirements with respect to protected taxa, please contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.