Texas banded gecko (Coleonyx brevis)

Short answers

Texas banded gecko: How big does the enclosure need to be?

45×30×30 cm.

Texas banded gecko: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 26–31 °C, basking spot 32 °C, at night 18–22 °C.

Texas banded gecko: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Recommended (UVB 5.0).

Texas banded gecko: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 8–12 years.

Texas banded gecko: Is it suitable for beginners?

Yes – it is considered suitable for beginners (difficulty: Beginner).

Climate

Daytime temperature

26–31 °C

Night temperature

18–22 °C

Basking spot

32 °C

Humidity

40–55 %

UVB

Recommended (UVB 5.0)

Enclosure

Minimum size

45×30×30 cm

Substrate

Sand-loam, flat stones, a cork hide, a humid box

Feeding

Food

Small house crickets, crickets, firebrats

Feeding interval

2–3×/week

Key facts

Adult size

7–10 cm total length

Life expectancy

8–12 years

Origin

Texas, northern Mexico

Protection status

Not listed under CITES

Brumation

A winter rest of 8–12 weeks at 10–15 °C

Cohabitation

Keep in pairs; males strictly separated. The reason: several males fight over territory and basking spots until one is injured or permanently pushed into a corner. Females generally get along but need their own heat and hiding spots; feed separately if sizes differ.

Notes

The smallest North American eyelid gecko – it fits into compact desert terrariums. Nocturnal and very delicate; choose food to match.

Do you keep this species?

Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →

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Related species

• Central American banded gecko (Coleonyx mitratus) – Beginner
• Western banded gecko (Coleonyx variegatus) – Beginner
• Yucatán banded gecko (Coleonyx elegans) – Intermediate
• European leaf-toed gecko (Euleptes europaea) – Intermediate
• Cat gecko (Aeluroscalabotes felinus) – Expert
• Common giant ground gecko (Chondrodactylus angulifer) – Intermediate
• Auckland green gecko (Naultinus elegans) – Expert
• Northland green gecko (Naultinus grayii) – Experts

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Texas banded gecko (Coleonyx brevis) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (45×30×30 cm), substrate (Sand-loam, flat stones, a cork hide, a humid box), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.