Western New York Herpetological Society
www.wnyherp.org
© 2001 - 2002 by Western New York Herpetological Society
This document is for guidance only and should not be used as the sole source of information. New information is being developed
daily. It is recommend that a concerted effort be made to maintain up-to-date knowledge of the animals of interest.
Common Name:
Leopard Gecko Latin name: Eublepharis macularius
Native to:
Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India
Size:
8 to 9 inches Life span: Up to 18 years.
General appearance:
Yellow background color with adults having brown spots. They have
obvious ears and possess eyelids. They have no adhesive toe pads like other types of
geckos, but do have claws on their toes.
.
Housing requirements:
Enclosure:
A 20-gallon long aquarium will be adequate for 3-4 geckos (only 1 male per
enclosure--they are territorial). Rocks and logs will provide climbing areas and
hiding places. Each gecko must have its own hiding place. A lid is not necessary
for the geckos, since they do not climb glass, but will help keep crickets from
escaping.
Temperature:
Daytime high should be 820F on one end of tank to 900F under a spot
light (choose wattage appropriate for providing the correct temperature. Night
temperature should be 70-72
0 F. A small part of the substrate should be heated to
92
0F using an under tank heat pad.
Heat/Light:
No special UV lighting is needed as these geckos are nocturnal. A spotlight
with the appropriate wattage bulb should be used for maintaining daytime
heat/light.
Substrate:
Anything from newspaper to sand may be used, but sand produces the most
natural setup. DO NOT use cedar.
Environment:
Dry, arid type climate. However, the area under the hide box should be
kept moist to aid shedding and simulate their natural burrows. A shallow water
dish should be available at all times.
Diet:
Crickets, mealworms, waxworms for adult lizards. Hatchlings and juveniles should be fed
small, appropriately sized crickets only. Adults will also eat an occasional pinkie mouse.
Crickets should be dusted with calcium/D3 powder and vitamin supplements at every
feeding for hatchlings & juveniles, and every other feeding for adults. Avoid wild caught
insects!
Maintenance:
Keep substrate free of waste products. Water dish must be washed and refilled
daily to prevent bacterial growth. Change substrate regularly.
Other references or recommended reading:
"General Care & Maintenance of Leopard Geckos and African Fat Tailed Geckos" by
Philippe de Vosjoli.
"Leopard Geckos" Reptiles Magazine, April 1994. P16-22