Leopard Gecko
Eublepharis macularius
A small, nocturnal lizard known for its spotted appearance and docile nature, native to the deserts of Pakistan and India.
Last updated: 3/16/2025
Overview
A small, ground-dwelling gecko from arid regions of South Asia, known for its ease of care and lack of sticky toe pads.
Native Regions
Pakistan, India
Habitats
Deserts
Adult Length
8-10 inches
Adult Weight
45-80 grams
Lifespan
10–20 years
For Beginners
Highly recommended
For Experienced Keepers
Suitable for all experience levels
Key Points
- › Great for beginners
- › Does not require UVB
- › Nocturnal and ground-dwelling
Appearance & Behavior
Small, stout body with bumpy skin and a thick tail
Normal Behavior
Nocturnal, enjoys burrowing, docile
Social Behavior
Best housed alone
Warning Signs
Sunken eyes, weight loss, lethargy
Key Points
- › Nocturnal and terrestrial
- › Stores fat in its tail
Enclosure & Environment
Enclosure Size
Minimum 20-gallon tank
Enclosure Type
Glass terrarium
Substrate
Tile, reptile carpet, or paper towel (avoid loose substrate)
Heating
Warm side 88-92°F, cool side 70-75°F
Humidity
Low (30-40%)
Lighting
Optional UVB, but beneficial
Décor & Enrichment
Hides, rocks, climbing branches
Cleaning & Maintenance
Spot clean daily, deep clean monthly
Key Points
- › Requires a heat gradient
- › Multiple hides are necessary
Diet & Nutrition
Insectivorous diet
Food Types
Crickets, mealworms, dubia roaches, waxworms (occasionally)
Feeding Schedule
Juveniles: Daily, Adults: Every other day
Supplements
Calcium with D3 and multivitamins
Hydration
Shallow water dish provided
Preparation
Gut-load insects before feeding
Common Mistakes
Feeding insects that are too large
Key Points
- › Live insects only
- › Calcium supplementation is essential
Handling
Easy to handle and tame
Techniques
Support body gently, let them walk on hands
Do's & Don'ts
Do not grab by the tail, avoid sudden movements
Taming
Becomes tame with regular gentle handling
Stress Signals
Tail waving, hiding excessively
Key Points
- › Very handleable
- › Avoid grabbing the tail
Health & Wellness
Common Health Issues
Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD)
Description
Lack of calcium or vitamin D3
Symptoms
Weak limbs, tremors, deformities
Prevention
Proper diet and supplementation
Treatment
Vet care and calcium supplementation
Impaction
Description
Digestive blockage from loose substrate
Symptoms
Swollen belly, constipation
Prevention
Avoid sand or loose substrate
Treatment
Warm baths, vet care if severe
Preventative Care
Regular vet check-ups, proper diet
Emergency Signs — seek vet care immediately
Severe weight loss, sunken eyes, refusal to eat
Key Points
- › Avoid loose substrate
- › Calcium supplementation is crucial
Breeding
Egg-laying species (oviparous)
Preparation
Provide a lay box with moist substrate
Breeding Process
Females lay 1-2 eggs per clutch
Egg Care
Incubate at 80-90°F depending on desired sex
Hatchling Care
Provide small insects and proper humidity
Key Points
- › Simple to breed
- › Temperature determines sex