Fun Facts!

Unlike most geckos, the leopard gecko has eyelids. This helps keep its eyes clean from dusty environments. It can clean its eyes with its tongue!

The leopard gecko stores its fat in its tail.

The leopard gecko has claws instead of stick pads on their feet like other geckos.

Leopard Gecko

Eublepharis macularius

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION

The leopard gecko is a cream to yellow colored lizard with black spots and/or stripes similar to the markings of a leopard. Adult leopard geckos generally are 6-12 inches in length, and males are generally larger than females. Like snakes, geckos will shed their skins. Long, stilt-like legs help them quickly get away from predators.

HABITAT

This gecko is found in the rocky dry regions, including drier grasslands and deserts of Pakistan, Western India, Afghanistan, and parts of Iran.

DIET IN THE WILD

They dine on insects and spiders, and will also eat other lizards.

BEHAVIOR

Geckos are nocturnal—active primarily at night—and are cautious around strangers. Their skin patterns and colors help the gecko camouflage itself. Leopard geckos will bite, but can be easily trained not to do so. If frightened or disturbed, the leopard gecko, like other lizards, can physically separate its tail to get away from a predator.

STATUS IN THE WILD / CONSERVATION EFFORTS

Although the leopard gecko is widely popular as pets, they are plentiful in the wild and breed well in captivity, so no conservation measures are in place.

LIFE SPAN

As much as 10 years in the wild, and up to 20 years in captivity.