Geckos Found in the Mojave Desert

Geckos belong to a special family of small-to-average size lizards called Gekkonidae. They are found throughout the warm, arid regions of the world, including the Mojave Desert. In addition to their eating habits, physical characteristics and preferred habitats, the ability to produce a wide range of chirping sounds sets geckos apart from other lizards. Keep an eye -- and an ear -- out for these geckos if you are ever in the Mojave Desert.

  1. Desert Banded Gecko

    • The desert banded gecko, scientific name Coleonyx variegatus variegatus, is found throughout the Mojave Desert. This small, slender lizard can grow up to 3 inches long. The color pattern of its bands can include shades of pale pink and yellow, light gray, brown or tan. These nocturnal geckos, who hide in burrows or under trees, rocks and dunes to escape the day's heat, can be heard emitting faint "squeaks" when grasped or distressed. Young desert banded geckos tend to have darker, more solid patterns; adults fade and become blotchy over time.

    Western Banded Gecko

    • The western banded gecko, scientific name Coleonyx variegatus, is a small lizard often mistaken for a baby Gila monster, due to the similarities in skin color and patterns. Western banded geckos are, in fact, much smaller than young Gila monsters; their bodies seldom grow longer than 3 inches. Found throughout the rocky, sheltered areas of the Mojave and Sonora deserts, the western banded gecko is primarily nocturnal and lives off bugs, spiders and other invertebrates. The tail of the western banded gecko stores food and water for later use by the animal, and it serves as an easily-sacrificed distraction if threatened by a predator. Specialized fracture plates allow the gecko to break it off at will.

    Leopard Gecko

    • The leopard gecko, scientific name Eublepharis macularius, is a nocturnal lizard found throughout the Mojave Desert, as well as in Afghanistan, Pakistan and western India. This ground-dwelling lizard is one of the few species of geckos that has true eyelids, as well as one of the few that lacks foot pads. Their common name honors the spotted skin pattern of mature adults. Leopard geckos are among the most recommended lizards as first pets.

    Mediterranean House Gecko

    • The Mediterranean house gecko, scientific name Hemidactylus turcicus, is also known as the Turkish gecko. It is found throughout areas of California and the Mojave Desert. Small and somewhat flat in appearance, the Mediterranean house gecko has rough, bumpy skin and lidless eyes. These geckos are nocturnal and will defend their hunting grounds from intruders. Although they have only been introduced to the American West in the past 60 years, they have adapted to the conditions quite well. Males can be heard making mouse-like squeaking noises while they fight, and during mating season they produce a variety of clicking sounds to attract females and ward off other suitors.