Leopard Gecko

The leopard gecko (Eublepharis macularius) is a small, ground-dwelling lizard named for its spotted coloration. Wild ones range from a yellow to brownish-orange base with dark spots over all or about half of the back.

Hatchlings are about 7 to 10 cm long and weigh 2 to 5 g. Adult females reach about 18 to 20 cm and 50 to 70 g, while adult males are about 20 to 28 cm and 60 to 80 g.

Leopard geckos have thick tails that store fat, and mobile upper and lower eyelids, which set their family apart from many other geckos. Their toes have no adhesive pads, so they cannot climb smooth vertical walls. They are one of the most popular lizard pets, second only to the bearded dragon, and captive ones come in many colours and patterns called morphs.

Leopard geckos are native mainly to the rocky, dry grassland and desert regions of Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, north-west India and western Nepal. They live in arid and semi-arid areas with sparse vegetation and clay or sandy soils, and use rock crevices as shelter. They have also been found in arid forests in Nepal and Pakistan.

The zoologist Edward Blyth first described them in 1854. The name Eublepharis means good eyelid, and macularius comes from the Latin for spot. Five subspecies are recognised.

Because they breed so easily in captivity, most sold today are captive-bred rather than wild-caught. Extensive captive breeding means they are sometimes called the first domesticated lizard. Selective breeding has produced colours, such as reds and whites, that are duller or absent in wild geckos.

Wild leopard geckos are generally considered nocturnal. By day they retreat to burrows and hiding spots, and they become active at dusk. Some captive-focused sources describe them as crepuscular or even active at times in daylight, so this is still debated.

They are often described as solitary, though some academic sources say wild ones live in loose colonies. Males sense the sex of other geckos by pheromones on the skin. Towards other males they act aggressively, raising the body, arching the back and making quick biting dashes that can injure badly. They show courtship behaviour towards females.

Their main defence is camouflage and staying hidden. If confronted they may make a sound to ward off a predator. When hunting, a gecko may twitch or wag its raised tail as it approaches prey. They are opportunistic predators, and invertebrates are presumed to make up most of a wild gecko's diet.

Leopard geckos can drop their tail, a trick called autotomy. The detached tail twitches for up to 30 minutes, distracting a predator. Dropping it puts the gecko under high stress because it loses its fat store. A new tail starts growing straight away, usually smooth, shorter and wider than the original.

They replace each of their roughly 100 teeth every 3 to 4 months.

In the wild they live about 4.9 years on average. In captivity they can live for more than 20 years.

This is general awareness only, not veterinary advice. Always consult a vet about your pet's health.

What is a leopard gecko?

It is a small ground-dwelling lizard from the dry grasslands and deserts of south Asia, named for its spots. It is one of the most popular pet lizards.

How long do leopard geckos live?

Wild ones average about 4.9 years. In captivity they can live for more than 20 years.

Can leopard geckos climb walls?

No. Unlike many geckos, their toes have no adhesive pads, so they cannot climb smooth vertical surfaces.

Are leopard geckos nocturnal?

Generally they are considered nocturnal, hiding by day and becoming active at dusk. Some captive-focused sources call them crepuscular, so it is debated.

Can you tell males from females?

Yes, by looking at the underside. Males have pre-anal pores and hemipenal bulges, while females have smaller pores and no external bulges. This can be hard to see in young geckos.

Leopard geckos can sometimes be told apart from most geckos by their eyelids, which move.

Their fat-storing tail works a little like a camel's hump as an energy reserve.

The sex of a baby is set by incubation temperature. Cool or very warm eggs become females, and intermediate temperatures produce males.

Hatchlings have a temporary egg tooth to break the shell, which falls off within one to two days.

A female can produce up to three clutches from just one or two matings, as she can store sperm.