Leopard Gecko

Scientific Name: Eublepharis macularius

Native Habitat: rocky dry grasslands of Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, India, and Nepal.

Lifespan: 15-20 years

Size: 6-10" in length

Temperament: Docile

Ease of handling: Manageable size, docile temperament, and quite hardy

Skill level: Beginner

Activity level: Crepuscular, active mostly at dawn and dusk

Adults should be kept in a 40 gallon enclosure, 36”x18”x18”. Floor space is more important as leopard geckos are terrestrial.

Temperature: Warm end should be between 32-34°C. Cool end should be between 21-25°C. 

Lighting: Contrary to popular belief, crepuscular reptiles still need UVB. A low UV index between 0.5-1.5 is adequate (such as a Zoo Med Reptisun T5 HO 5.0, or Arcadia ShadeDweller 7%).

Humidity: 30-40% which is generally "house humidity". A moist hide should be provided as shedding problems are quite common in leopard geckos.

Substrate: Bioactive soil, coconut husk, coconut fiber, or a mixture of clay, moss, and play sand.

Leopard geckos enjoy rock crevices and burrows.

At least 2 hides are recommended, one at each end of the enclosure and one must be moist.

A rough surface such as a large stone can help with shedding.

​

Leopard geckos are insectivores. Do not leave feeder insects in your gecko's enclosure, the insects can cause distress to your animal, causing injuries and tail loss. Leopard geckos benefit from a diet of varied insects: crickets, mealworms, dubia roaches, silkworms, waxworms, and black soldier fly larvae. Dust insects with calcium powder. If you are not using UVB lighting, use calcium with D3.