Arizona geckos are primarily insectivores, meaning their diet consists almost entirely of insects and small invertebrates. These small lizards are adapted to the arid environments of the Southwest, and their feeding habits are closely tied to the availability of prey in the region. Understanding what Arizona geckos consume provides insight into their behavior and survival in the desert landscape.
Identifying Common Arizona Species
The two most common geckos in Arizona exhibit different lifestyles, influencing their habitat and food access. The native Western Banded Gecko (Coleonyx variegatus) is a ground-dwelling species. It is typically found in rocky or sandy desert areas and hides under debris to escape daytime heat. This shy species lacks sticky toe pads and relies on terrestrial hunting.
The Mediterranean House Gecko (Hemidactylus turcicus) is a non-native species widespread in Arizona’s urban areas, including Phoenix and Tucson. This gecko is an agile climber, using its wide, padded toes to cling to vertical surfaces like the exterior walls of buildings. Its association with human structures means it often forages in different microhabitats than the native species.
Natural Prey and Hunting Strategies
The core diet of wild Arizona geckos consists of small, soft-bodied arthropods, which they actively hunt at night. Primary prey items include crickets, spiders, beetles, moths, and small roaches, all abundant in the desert environment. Geckos also consume small scorpions, and the Western Banded Gecko specifically targets baby scorpions.
Both species are strictly nocturnal, using cooler night temperatures to forage while avoiding intense daytime heat. The native Western Banded Gecko is a stalker, moving slowly on the ground before capturing prey with a quick lunge. This gecko often frequents rodent burrows and moves under logs where arthropods congregate.
The non-native Mediterranean House Gecko employs a different, opportunistic hunting strategy, often waiting near outdoor lights on buildings. They use the light source as an insect trap, ambushing moths and flying insects drawn to the illumination. Their adhesive toe pads allow them to wait on walls and ceilings, giving them a distinct advantage over terrestrial prey. These geckos rely heavily on sight, using their large, lidless eyes to spot their meals.
Hydration and Nutritional Nuances
Geckos in the arid Arizona climate meet their hydration needs primarily indirectly, rather than through standing water. A significant portion of their water intake comes from the metabolic water content of the insects they consume. Since prey is rich in moisture, the gecko’s diet acts as a primary source of liquid.
For direct water intake, geckos rely on external sources like condensation, such as dew or rain droplets that form on surfaces at night. They lick these droplets from plants, rocks, or walls, especially following a temperature drop. Nutritionally, the variety of invertebrates provides a complete diet, but calcium intake is important for bone health.
Insects with a higher calcium-to-phosphorus ratio are beneficial, though wild geckos consume whatever is available. Geckos are specialized insectivores. They should never be offered human food scraps, processed items, or any food not consisting of their natural invertebrate prey.