AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.ApprovedCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Coleonyx elegans
Yucatan Banded Gecko
Gray, 1845
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Medium-sized gecko with smooth skin and a striking pattern of dark and light transverse bands running along its back. Unlike other geckos, it has movable eyelids and lacks adhesive pads, possessing claws on its toes.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
Julia Trouin
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Reptilia
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Squamata
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Eublepharidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Coleonyx
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Gray, 1845
Record Completeness
61%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Insectivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Inhabits wooded areas, dry forests, and rocky zones. Prefers terrestrial microhabitats with plenty of leaf litter or crevices where it can take refuge during the day.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Mainly nocturnal; during the day it remains hidden in crevices or under objects.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Generally solitary and territorial, using soft vocalizations for interaction.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Active foraging on the ground; uses its claws to move debris in search of prey.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Opportunistic insectivore that hunts small prey on the forest floor.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Oviparous; they deposit their eggs in protected underground cavities.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
10.0 - 15.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
8 g - 20 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.1 - 2
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).Yes
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
1 - 2 Years
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
45 - 60
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males--
Females--
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Males are usually larger and have more intense banding patterns.
Females Multi-lang
Females have a slightly duller coloration to improve their mimicry.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Movable eyelids: Adaptation to protect its eyes in terrestrial and dusty environments where it does not need the adhesive vision of other geckos.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Habitat loss due to urban expansion and illegal pet trade are its main threats.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
It has the ability to store fat in its tail, allowing it to survive periods of food scarcity.