What is the scientific name of the Central American Banded Gecko?

The scientific name of the Central American Banded Gecko is Coleonyx mitratus.

What are other common names for the Central American Banded Gecko?

The Central American Banded Gecko is also known as Tropical banded gecko, Middle American banded gecko, and Mexican banded gecko.

Where are Central American Banded Geckos native to?

Central American Banded Geckos are native to Southern Mexico through Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, and El Salvador.

How big do Central American Banded Geckos get?

Adult Central American Banded Geckos typically reach about 6-10 inches (including tail).

How long do Central American Banded Geckos live?

Central American Banded Geckos live about 5-10 years with proper care.

What temperatures does a Central American Banded Gecko need?

Recommended temperatures for a Central American Banded Gecko: 70-75°F cool side, 80-85°F warm side, and 90-95°F basking spot.

What humidity does a Central American Banded Gecko need?

Central American Banded Geckos need 30-50% humidity.

Do Central American Banded Geckos need UVB lighting?

Yes. Recommended lighting for Central American Banded Geckos: UVA/UVB required.

What size enclosure does a Central American Banded Gecko need?

Recommended enclosure sizes for a Central American Banded Gecko: Baby-Young: 24”x18”x18” ( 6 months +); Sub Adult-Adult: 48”x24”x24”. Always base adult size enclosure off of animal size. They should be able to stretch out in length completely & turn around comfortably.

What do Central American Banded Geckos eat?

Central American Banded Geckos eat: Insectivores: Fruit Flies, crickets, dubia roaches, calcium worms (black soldier fly larvae), mealworms, hornworms, waxworms, silkworms, etc.

Are Central American Banded Geckos good for beginners?

Central American Banded Geckos are not usually recommended for beginners; they are rated Intermediate for keeper experience.

Are Central American Banded Geckos nocturnal or diurnal?

Central American Banded Geckos are nocturnal (active at night) and crepuscular (most active at dawn and dusk).

What is Central American Banded Gecko behavior like?

Common Central American Banded Gecko behavior traits: Skittish when young; Docile generally; Warm up easily with consistent tong feeding & interaction; Solidary (very territorial); Live insects are needed to keep this animal happy and healthy; Terrestrial but will climb if given opportunity and space; Will drop their tail when threatened.

Do Central American Banded Geckos lay eggs?

Yes. Central American Banded Geckos are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs.

How many eggs does a Central American Banded Gecko lay?

A Central American Banded Gecko clutch is typically about 2 eggs.

How long do Central American Banded Gecko eggs take to hatch?

Central American Banded Gecko eggs typically incubate for about 50-70 days before hatching.

How long is the Central American Banded Gecko oviposition period?

The Central American Banded Gecko oviposition (egg-laying) period is typically about 28-30 days.

What is the best enclosure for a Central American Banded Gecko?

Recommended enclosures for Central American Banded Geckos by age. Juvenile: HabiStat 18" Glass Terrariums. Sub-adult: HabiStat 24" Glass Terrariums. Adult: Vivarium 36" Sliding Door Reptile Terrariums.

What lighting products are best for a Central American Banded Gecko?

Recommended lighting products for Central American Banded Geckos by age. Juvenile: Arcadia 7% UVB D3 ShadeDweller Lighting, 12". Sub-adult: Arcadia 6% UVB D3 Forest Lighting. Adult: Arcadia 6% UVB D3 Forest Lighting.

What heating products does a Central American Banded Gecko need?

Recommended heating products for Central American Banded Geckos by age. Juvenile: Arcadia GoldenSun Basking Halogen Heater and Vivarium Electronics Ceramic Dome Reflector. Sub-adult: Arcadia Deep Heat Projectors and Vivarium Electronics Ceramic Dome Reflector. Adult: Arcadia Deep Heat Projectors and Vivarium Electronics Ceramic Dome Reflector.

Is there a complete habitat bundle for Central American Banded Geckos?

Yes. Recommended habitat bundles for Central American Banded Geckos by age. Juvenile: Juvenile Central American Banded Gecko Ultimate Habitat Bundle. Sub-adult: Subadult Central American Banded Gecko Ultimate Habitat Bundle. Adult: Adult Central American Banded Gecko Ultimate Habitat Bundle.

Central American Banded Gecko

Common Name(s)	Central American banded gecko Tropical banded gecko Middle American banded gecko Mexican banded gecko
Scientific Name	Coleonyx mitratus
Behavior	Primarily Nocturnal (active at night) & Crepuscular (active during dawn & dusk) Skittish when young Docile generally Warm up easily with consistent tong feeding & interaction Solidary (very territorial) Live insects are needed to keep this animal happy and healthy Terrestrial but will climb if given opportunity and space Will drop their tail when threatened
Reproduction	Oviparous (Egg Layer) Oviposition: ~28-30 days Clutch size: ~2 eggs Incubation: ~50-70 days
Lifespan	~5-10 years
Temperatures	70-75°F cool side 80-85°F warm side 90-95°F basking spot
Humidity	30-50%
Lighting	UVA/UVB required
Size	~6-10 inches (including tail)
Enclosure Recommendations	Baby-Young: 24”x18”x18” (<6 months) 36”x18”x18” (>6 months +) Sub Adult-Adult: 48”x24”x24” Always base adult size enclosure off of animal size. They should be able to stretch out in length completely & turn around comfortably.
Experience Level	Intermediate *Parents should always be involved caring for any pet, until the child is 18 yrs.
Diet	Insectivores: Fruit Flies, crickets, dubia roaches, calcium worms (black soldier fly larvae), mealworms, hornworms, waxworms, silkworms, etc.

Filter by age:

Best Bundles for Adult Central American Banded Geckos

Adult Central American Banded Gecko Ultimate Habitat Bundle

Best Substrates for Adult Central American Banded Geckos

ReptiEarth Fine Coconut Fiber Mix; Ready to Use: 36 Quart

TropicalBase Terrarium Mix; Bioactive Ready to Use: 24 Quart

Best Enclosures for Adult Central American Banded Geckos

36" Sliding Door Reptile Vivarium (36x18) - 50 Gallon: Black

Best Lighting Products for Adult Central American Banded Geckos

Arcadia 6% UVB D3 Forest Lighting: LumenIZE® Smart UVB Kit / 36"

Best Heating Products for Adult Central American Banded Geckos

Arcadia Deep Heat Projectors: 50W

Vivarium Electronics Ceramic Dome Reflector: 5.5"

Best Substrates for Subadult Central American Banded Geckos

TropicalBase Terrarium Mix; Bioactive Ready to Use: 24 Quart

ReptiEarth Fine Coconut Fiber Mix; Ready to Use: 12 Quart

Best Enclosures for Subadult Central American Banded Geckos

HabiStat 24" Glass Terrariums: 24x18x18, 34 Gallon Terrarium

Best Lighting Products for Subadult Central American Banded Geckos

Arcadia 6% UVB D3 Forest Lighting: LumenIZE® Smart UVB Kit / 24"

Best Heating Products for Subadult Central American Banded Geckos

Arcadia Deep Heat Projectors: 50W

Vivarium Electronics Ceramic Dome Reflector: 5.5"

Best Bundles for Juvenile Central American Banded Geckos

Juvenile Central American Banded Gecko Ultimate Habitat Bundle

Best Substrates for Juvenile Central American Banded Geckos

TropicalBase Terrarium Mix; Bioactive Ready to Use: 24 Quart

Best Enclosures for Juvenile Central American Banded Geckos

HabiStat 18" Glass Terrariums: 18x18x18, 25 Gallon Terrarium

Best Lighting Products for Juvenile Central American Banded Geckos

Arcadia 7% UVB D3 ShadeDweller Lighting, 12": LumenIZE® Smart UVB Kit

Best Heating Products for Juvenile Central American Banded Geckos

Arcadia GoldenSun Basking Halogen Heater: 20W

Vivarium Electronics Ceramic Dome Reflector: 5.5"

The Central American Banded Gecko (Coleonyx mitratus) is a small, nocturnal species native to the dry forests and scrublands of Central America, particularly in countries like Nicaragua, Honduras, and Costa Rica. One of the most striking features of this gecko is its vibrant pattern of alternating yellow or orange bands and dark brown or black markings along its body and tail. This banding provides excellent camouflage in their natural habitat, blending with the leaf litter and rocks on the forest floor. Unlike many other gecko species, Central American Banded Geckos have eyelids, allowing them to blink and keep their eyes clean, which is an adaptation seen in only a few gecko species. They also possess soft, velvety skin as opposed to the rough, bumpy texture found in some other geckos, adding to their distinctive appearance.

Another fascinating aspect of the Central American Banded Gecko is its defense mechanism. When threatened by predators, this gecko can drop its tail as a distraction—a behavior known as autotomy. The tail, which continues to wriggle after being detached, diverts the attention of the predator, allowing the gecko to escape. The gecko can regenerate a new tail over time, although it is typically shorter and less vibrant than the original. In the wild, these geckos are opportunistic feeders, hunting a variety of insects and other small invertebrates at night. Their nocturnal habits, paired with their stealthy movements and keen senses, make them efficient hunters. Despite their relatively small size—usually around 4 to 5 inches in length—Central American Banded Geckos have adapted well to the challenges of their arid environment.

Native Range

Southern Mexico through Guatemala

Belize

Honduras

Nicaragua

El Salvador

Why ReptiChip?

ReptiChip is made by central american banded gecko lovers, for central american banded gecko lovers. It’s what the pros use, and it’s what you can use, too.

Our product line includes BabiChip, RediChip, TropicalBase, MicroChip, and ReptiEarth, so you can be sure to find the perfect central american banded gecko bedding for your pet.

Ready to switch to the ultimate central american banded gecko bedding? Check out ReptiChip today.

Common Central American Banded Gecko ReptiChip Questions

: The scientific name of the Central American Banded Gecko is Coleonyx mitratus.
: The Central American Banded Gecko is also known as Tropical banded gecko, Middle American banded gecko, and Mexican banded gecko.
: Central American Banded Geckos are native to Southern Mexico through Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, and El Salvador.
: Adult Central American Banded Geckos typically reach about 6-10 inches (including tail).
: Central American Banded Geckos live about 5-10 years with proper care.
: Recommended temperatures for a Central American Banded Gecko: 70-75°F cool side, 80-85°F warm side, and 90-95°F basking spot.
: Central American Banded Geckos need 30-50% humidity.
: Yes. Recommended lighting for Central American Banded Geckos: UVA/UVB required.
: Recommended enclosure sizes for a Central American Banded Gecko: Baby-Young: 24”x18”x18” (<6 months), 36”x18”x18” (>6 months +); Sub Adult-Adult: 48”x24”x24”. Always base adult size enclosure off of animal size. They should be able to stretch out in length completely & turn around comfortably.
: Central American Banded Geckos eat: Insectivores: Fruit Flies, crickets, dubia roaches, calcium worms (black soldier fly larvae), mealworms, hornworms, waxworms, silkworms, etc.
: Central American Banded Geckos are not usually recommended for beginners; they are rated Intermediate for keeper experience.
: Central American Banded Geckos are nocturnal (active at night) and crepuscular (most active at dawn and dusk).
: Common Central American Banded Gecko behavior traits: Skittish when young; Docile generally; Warm up easily with consistent tong feeding & interaction; Solidary (very territorial); Live insects are needed to keep this animal happy and healthy; Terrestrial but will climb if given opportunity and space; Will drop their tail when threatened.
: Yes. Central American Banded Geckos are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs.
: A Central American Banded Gecko clutch is typically about 2 eggs.
: Central American Banded Gecko eggs typically incubate for about 50-70 days before hatching.
: The Central American Banded Gecko oviposition (egg-laying) period is typically about 28-30 days.
: Recommended substrates for juvenile Central American Banded Geckos: TropicalBase Terrarium Mix; Bioactive Ready to Use.
: Recommended substrates for sub-adult Central American Banded Geckos: TropicalBase Terrarium Mix; Bioactive Ready to Use and ReptiEarth Fine Coconut Fiber Mix; Ready to Use.
: Recommended substrates for adult Central American Banded Geckos: ReptiEarth Fine Coconut Fiber Mix; Ready to Use and TropicalBase Terrarium Mix; Bioactive Ready to Use.
: Recommended enclosures for Central American Banded Geckos by age. Juvenile: HabiStat 18" Glass Terrariums. Sub-adult: HabiStat 24" Glass Terrariums. Adult: Vivarium 36" Sliding Door Reptile Terrariums.
: Recommended lighting products for Central American Banded Geckos by age. Juvenile: Arcadia 7% UVB D3 ShadeDweller Lighting, 12". Sub-adult: Arcadia 6% UVB D3 Forest Lighting. Adult: Arcadia 6% UVB D3 Forest Lighting.
: Recommended heating products for Central American Banded Geckos by age. Juvenile: Arcadia GoldenSun Basking Halogen Heater and Vivarium Electronics Ceramic Dome Reflector. Sub-adult: Arcadia Deep Heat Projectors and Vivarium Electronics Ceramic Dome Reflector. Adult: Arcadia Deep Heat Projectors and Vivarium Electronics Ceramic Dome Reflector.
: Yes. Recommended habitat bundles for Central American Banded Geckos by age. Juvenile: Juvenile Central American Banded Gecko Ultimate Habitat Bundle. Sub-adult: Subadult Central American Banded Gecko Ultimate Habitat Bundle. Adult: Adult Central American Banded Gecko Ultimate Habitat Bundle.