Leopard Geckos: The Complete Herp Care Guide

Natural Habitat and Anatomy

Leopard geckos (Eublepharis macularius) are a species of terrestrial lizard native to the arid and rocky environments of southeastern Afghanistan, Pakistan, and northwestern India. They are characterized by their distinctive spotted pattern, which varies widely in color and pattern, and their prehensile tails, which they use for balance and climbing.

Leopard geckos have a relatively small, stout body with a blunt snout and large eyes that provide excellent night vision. Their skin is covered in small, granular scales, and they have a row of enlarged scales running down their back. They have five toes on each foot, with the fourth toe having a small claw that they use for grooming.

Image: A leopard gecko in its natural habitat

Dietary Needs

Leopard geckos are insectivores, meaning that they primarily eat insects. Their diet in the wild consists of a variety of insects, including crickets, mealworms, waxworms, and cockroaches. In captivity, they can be fed a diet of live insects, canned insects, or commercial leopard gecko food.

It is important to provide your leopard gecko with a variety of insects to ensure that it is getting all the nutrients it needs. You should also dust the insects with a calcium and vitamin D3 supplement two to three times per week to prevent metabolic bone disease.

Leopard geckos typically eat every day or two. However, they may eat less frequently during the winter months when they are less active.

Image: A leopard gecko eating a cricket

Husbandry

Leopard geckos are relatively easy to care for in captivity. They require a terrarium that is at least 20 gallons in size, with a secure lid. The terrarium should be furnished with a variety of hides, climbing branches, and a water dish.

The temperature in the terrarium should be between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit (24-29 degrees Celsius) during the day, and between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18-24 degrees Celsius) at night. The humidity should be between 30 and 40 percent.

Leopard geckos are crepuscular, meaning that they are most active at dawn and dusk. They should be provided with a basking lamp and a UVB light to help them regulate their body temperature and absorb calcium.

Image: A leopard gecko basking under a heat lamp

Health Concerns

Leopard geckos are generally healthy reptiles, but they are susceptible to a variety of health problems, including:

• Metabolic bone disease (MBD)
• Respiratory infections
• Parasites
• Tail loss
• Egg binding

It is important to take your leopard gecko to a veterinarian regularly for checkups and to treat any health problems that may arise.

Breeding

Leopard geckos are relatively easy to breed in captivity. However, it is important to do your research before you attempt to breed them, as there are a number of factors that can affect the success of your breeding program.

The first step in breeding leopard geckos is to acquire a male and female that are at least one year old. The male should be slightly smaller than the female, and both should be in good health.

Once you have a male and female, you need to provide them with a breeding enclosure. The enclosure should be at least 20 gallons in size, and it should have a variety of hides and climbing branches.

The temperature in the breeding enclosure should be between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit (24-29 degrees Celsius) during the day, and between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18-24 degrees Celsius) at night. The humidity should be between 30 and 40 percent.

Once the male and female are in the breeding enclosure, you can introduce them to each other. It is important to supervise the , as the male may be aggressive towards the female. If the male and female do not mate, you can try again later.

If the male and female do mate, the female will lay eggs two to three weeks later. The eggs should be incubated at a temperature of 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit (24-27 degrees Celsius) and a humidity of 60-70 percent.

Image: A leopard gecko laying eggs

Leopard geckos are fascinating and rewarding reptiles to keep as pets. They are relatively easy to care for, and they can live for up to 20 years with proper care.

If you are thinking about getting a leopard gecko, be sure to do your research and find a reputable breeder. You should also be prepared to provide your gecko with a proper enclosure, diet, and veterinary care.

With proper care, your leopard gecko can be a healthy and happy pet for many years to come.