Leopard Gecko

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The Leopard Gecko is one of the easiest lizards to care for. They need
very little in the way of electrical equipment, and their housing is
easy to maintain.

Leopard Geckos are small and easy to handle. They are
nocturnal, and though they spend most of the day hiding, they can be
observed during their active periods at night.

Scientific Name: Eublepharis macularius

Natural Environment: Southern Asia (Pakistan to Northwest India)

Average Size: 6" – 9" long; the males have a slightly larger, heavier build than the females.

Average Life Span: 15 to 20 years, though some have lived up to 30 years.

Appearance: The Leopard Gecko has
small, knob-like bumps over its entire body that give it the appearance
of being very rough. However, its skin is actually soft to the touch.
It has a triangular head and, when healthy, a large fat tail. The tail
is where the Leopard Gecko stores its fat and is usually indicative of
the gecko's health.

The Leopard Gecko is generally leucistic (no
color) or pale yellow with dark brown spots. Young Leopard Geckos start
out with alternating bands of color that develop into spots or
splotches as they age. There are, however, many different Leopard Gecko
color morphs. Some of the most common color variations include yellow,
brown, white, and leucistic (with black eyes).

Habitat

Size: A 10-gallon terrarium
is sufficient for one Leopard Gecko. Two Leopard Geckos would need a
15-gallon terrarium, and three would need a 20-gallon terrarium. The
terrarium should be long and shallow because Leopard Geckos don't climb
very well.

Lighting: Leopard Geckos are nocturnal, so UV lighting is not essential. Red bulbs (day or night), black bulbs (day or night) or ceramic heaters
can be used to provide heat or for nighttime viewing. Bright white or
daytime lights can stress your Leopard Gecko and should not be used.

Temperature: Keep the tank at 80° to
85°F during the day with a basking area (directly under the light bulb)
of 90°F. At night, the tank temperature should be in the 70's. Under
tank heaters (UTH) are the preferred method of heating Leopard Gecko
habitats because they warm the environment from the bottom of the
substrate up.

The terrarium should have a temperature
gradient with a 10°F variance. The cool end of the gradient should fall
into the 70's to low 80's and the warm end of the gradient should rise
between 80° to 90°F. Leopard Geckos will use the temperature gradient
to regulate their body temperature by moving from one side of the
temperature gradient to the other.

Humidity: Leopard Geckos need a
humidity of approximately 40% to 60% to encourage proper shedding. If
the humidity is too low, place moist peat moss in a hide box or shelter, and mist it periodically.

Housing: This species does not
climb very well, but you must provide a number of hiding spots, such as
hideboxes with small openings and caves, for its daytime periods. Rocks
and logs should be added to the terrarium to provide places for
exercise. Leopard Geckos can be kept in groups of two or three, but
there should only be one male per terrarium, as male Leopard Geckos are
extremely territorial.

Substrate: Artificial turf, paper toweling, slate tile, newspaper, commercial terrarium sand substrates, or commercial terrarium clay substrates.

Diet/Feeding: The main component of this species' diet is crickets
coated with vitamin and mineral supplements. They should also be fed
mealworms and grubs, and pinky mice can be fed to adults once a week.
Juveniles should be fed daily, and adults should be fed once every
other day. A small dish of calcium should be in the tank at all times.
Adults will need a calcium/Vitamin D supplement every other feeding and
a reptile multivitamin once a week. Leopard Geckos need a steady supply
of water that should be changed daily.

Behavior/Interaction: Leopard Geckos are not
the friendliest of the geckos, but they are not averse to short periods
of regular handling. Extensive handling is not recommended though,
especially with juveniles. They naturally like to hide throughout the
majority of the day, but they will be inquisitive and fun to observe
while they are active. If handled and cared for properly, they are
fairly docile.

Interesting Facts: Unlike many other
herps, Leopard Geckos have eyelids. They have no clinging toe pads, so
they can't climb vertical surfaces. If picked up by the tail, it will
break off. Leopard Geckos move or wiggle their tail slightly when they
are preparing to hunt their meal.

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