Leopard Gecko (Eublepharis macularis)
This lizard is one of the most popular reptile pets in the United States today. Dramatic color changes occur from hatchlings to adulthood. The common name derives from the adult coloration, which is a yellowish-tan body with dark spots. In juveniles, these spots are typically large bands or bars that cross the body and break apart into spots as the animals mature – this means the yellow/tan base color is more prominent in juveniles as well. As many color morphs are being bred, the base body color can range from white to tan to very bright yellow. The spots can be black, brown or purplish. Sport varieties are being bred regularly that may have no spots, stripes, large blotches, cross bar patterns or stripes that run from head to tail rather than across the body. The most difficult part of choosing a Leopard Gecko for a pet is usually determining which color pattern is desired. Average adult size is 6" - 9". The tail is relatively short and fat compared to many other lizards and the skin is dry and "warty". The head and eyes are also rather large and prominent. The oversized eyes give a very "personable" appearance. Legs are short and compact indicating this lizard is not designed for running long distances or excessive climbing. The toes are clawed and do not possess the enlarged climbing pads found on many other geckos species. Adult males develop larger heads than females, have a larger hemipenal bulge at the tail base and a set of femoral pores in front of the vent.
Captive Breeding Status:
Virtually all leopard geckos sold in the United States today are captive bred. A few imports still occur, but these are usually bought immediately by large-scale breeders who want to broaden genetic diversity and maintain strong blood lines. The immense success of captive breeding on these lizards has been a mixed success story; once breeders were able to sell as many as they could produce at fairly high prices, but now competition and supply has made this much less lucrative though still educational and enjoyable. Few breeders actually profit, but some can earn enough to pay for food and ongoing supplies if they work hard.
Native Range/Habitat:
Leopard Geckos are native to Central Asia, especially the semi-arid areas of India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.
Diet/Feeding:
This species is a fairly strict insectivore. Live foods are almost requisite and include crickets, mealworms, wax worms, butter worms, or wingless flies. In general they are very good feeders and should be fed 3-6 insects per day. Like most lizards it is important to give them a calcium supplement, such as Tetra ReptoCal, about 3 times per week for juveniles and once to twice a week for adults. Also, because feeder insects are frequently emaciated and malnourished from shipping, it is recommended to feed (gut load) them for 1-2 days with a multi-vitamin/mineral powder prior to usage. Tetra offers ReptoLife Plus for enhancing feeder insect nutritional value.
Housing:
Leopard Geckos are among the easiest of lizards to house and care for. An adult will require a 29 gallon aquarium or equivalent (30" x 12" x 16"). Substrate should be reptile safe sand, newspaper, sterilized mulch or astroturf. Sand or loose, dry soil is their natural habitat and aesthetically pleasing. It also conducts heat well. Heating should be provided by a radiant heat lamp placed over a flat rock, log or basking area. Basking temperature of 82ºF - 86ºF is recommended. A hide-box away from the heat source will allow the animal to self-regulate itself and provide shelter and comfort. A specialized light bulb that provides UV-B wavelengths is also necessary. Although they originate from a dry area, an occasional misting is usually enjoyed and a "moist" hide-box or shelter with dampened moss or vermiculite is beneficial especially at shedding periods, when dry skin can cause patchy or incomplete shedding.
General Comments:
Leopard Geckos are one of the best pet lizards. They tame well, are docile by nature, good eaters, do not grow overly large, and are colorful. The most difficult aspect of caring for them is the constant supply of live insects as they do not take well to commercially prepared diets.