Yucatán banded gecko (Coleonyx elegans)

Short answers

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

60×40×40 cm.

Yucatán banded gecko: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 26–30 °C, basking spot 32 °C, at night 21–24 °C.

Yucatán banded gecko: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Not essential.

Yucatán banded gecko: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 10–15 years.

Yucatán banded gecko: Is it suitable for beginners?

Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).

Climate

Daytime temperature

26–30 °C

Night temperature

21–24 °C

Basking spot

32 °C

Humidity

65–80 %

UVB

Not essential

Enclosure

Minimum size

60×40×40 cm

Substrate

Damp coco humus, a layer of leaf litter, hides

Feeding

Food

Insects

Feeding interval

adults 3×/week

Key facts

Adult size

14–18 cm

Life expectancy

10–15 years

Origin

Yucatán, Guatemala, Belize

Protection status

Not listed under CITES

Brumation

None

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

Larger than C. mitratus and even more in need of humidity. Nocturnal, hidden in the leaf litter by day.

Do you keep this species?

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Related species

• Central American banded gecko (Coleonyx mitratus) – Beginner
• Texas banded gecko (Coleonyx brevis) – Beginner
• Western banded gecko (Coleonyx variegatus) – Beginner
• 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 Yucatán banded gecko (Coleonyx elegans) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (60×40×40 cm), substrate (Damp coco humus, a layer of leaf litter, hides), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.