User:Sbriggs12/Western banded gecko

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The western banded gecko (Coleonyx variegatus) is a species of lizard in the family Eublepharidae. Coleonyx variegatus means "a sheath and/or nail or claw" in Greek. Western banded geckos are a part of the Gecko family, known as the Gekkonidae. The species is native to the southwestern United States and adjacent northwestern Mexico. Five subspecies are recognized.

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In the United States, C. variegatus is found in Arizona, southern California, southwestern New Mexico, Nevada, and Utah. In California, it is found in the Mojave and Sonoran deserts. In Mexico, it is found in northwestern Baja California and Sonora. The western banded gecko is found in a wide range of habitats, including creosote bush and sagebrush desert, pinyon-juniper woodland, and catclaw-cedar-grama grass associations in the eastern part of its range and chaparral areas in the west. Its elevational range extends from below sea level to about 1,520 m (4,990 ft) asl. The species commonly lives in open and arid deserts and grasslands.

The western banded gecko is a terrestrial lizard, ranging in total length (including tail) from 4–6 inches (10–15 cm). The body of the western banded gecko (excluding the tail) rarely grows past 3 inches in length.

The western banded gecko is a terrestrial lizard, ranging in total length (including tail) from 4 - 6 in. The body of the western banded gecko (excluding the tail) rarely grows past 3 inches in length. Hatchlings measure 1 in. The body is sandy-colored with dark crossbands broken into patches. The tiny scales give its skin a silky texture. Unlike typical geckos, it has prominent eyes with movable lids. The male reptiles of this species have noticeable spurs on both sides of the body located at the base of the tail.

The western banded gecko is secretive and nocturnal, with individuals remaining hidden during the day and emerging after sunset to forage for food. The western banded gecko feeds on a diversity of invertebrates.

When threatened by predators or other dangers, these geckos may exude a squeak or chirp.

San Diego State University research of 2022 has revealed further insight into the feeding behaviors of the species. The lizards use very fast and precise movements, shaking their heads from side to side, in order to immobilize scorpions caught in their mouths. Researchers believe that this may be done in order to prevent the scorpions from injecting them with their venom.