Leopard Geckos (Eublepharis macularius)

Leopard Geckos — Eublepharis macularius

Leopard Geckos are desert ground-dwellers with calm curiosity and bold, spotted patterns. Crepuscular by nature, they shine in evening displays, readily take tong-offered insects, and reward consistent, warm, low-humidity care with steady, visible routines.

Why Keep This Species

  • Relaxed temperament and excellent visibility at dusk
  • Hardy with straightforward arid husbandry and clear benchmarks
  • Educational feeding response and easy health tracking

Keeper Profile

  • Handling: gentle, brief sessions after acclimation; support the body
  • Climate: warm spot 88–92 °F (31–33 °C); cool side 75–80 °F (24–27 °C); ~30–45% RH
  • Habitat: terrestrial; secure lid; three-hides system (warm/dry, warm/moist, cool)

Keeper’s Summary

Juveniles can start in 5–10 gal grow-outs, but adults flourish in a 20 gal long (30″×12″) minimum; a 40 breeder (36″×18″) is ideal. Provide a belly-warm hotspot at 88–92 °F with a reliable thermostat and a cool retreat at 75–80 °F. Use solid substrates (tile/slate/paper) or, for experienced keepers, firmly packed soil/sand blends. Maintain ~30–45% RH with a dedicated moist hide, offer fresh water daily, and feed varied, gut-loaded insects 2–4×/week with appropriate calcium and vitamins. Handle calmly and briefly—never by the tail.

🐾 Leopard Gecko — Eublepharis macularius

  • Common Name(s): Leopard Gecko
  • Scientific Name: Eublepharis macularius
  • Native To: Rocky deserts & semi-arid grasslands of Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, and Iran
  • Adult Size: 7–10″ (18–25 cm); 45–80 g typical (morph/sex dependent)
  • Life Span: 10–20+ years with proper care
  • Difficulty: Beginner–Intermediate (clear thermal targets; simple maintenance)



Characteristics & Temperament

Ground-dwelling, thick-tailed geckos with movable eyelids and a calm, inquisitive demeanor. Best observed at dusk when they patrol, tongue-flick, and hunt.

Appearance

  • Coloration / Pattern: Yellow/tan base with dark rosettes; extensive morph diversity (tangerine, albino lines, patternless, etc.).
  • Build / Form: Robust body, broad head, fat-storage tail; non-adhesive feet suited for terrestrial traction.
  • Light Response: Not UV-fluorescent; tolerates low-output UVB if provided with shade.

Temperament

  • Baseline: Calm and tolerant once settled; ideal for gentle handling.
  • Response to Disturbance: Freezes or slowly retreats; may tail-rattle or chirp if stressed.
  • Feeding Style: Opportunistic insectivore; strongest response at dusk/night.

Social Housing

Primarily solitary. Keep one per enclosure. Experienced keepers may attempt compatible female pairs only in large setups (36″×18″+) with duplicate resources; never house males together.

Quick Traits

UV Responsive: Optional / Low Most Active: Crepuscular–Nocturnal Handability: Handleable (Gentle & Brief)

Keeper Notes

  • Stress Signs: Persistent hiding, tail thinning, stuck shed (toes/eyes), refusal to feed.
  • Confidence Builders: Three-hides layout, predictable dusk feedings, low daytime disturbance.
  • Display Tips: Dim ambient light; observe with warm-white or red-toned evening lighting.

Care Requirements

Core setup and environmental targets to keep Eublepharis macularius thriving.

Enclosure Setup

  • Type: Terrestrial ground-dweller.
  • Minimum Size: 20 gal long (30″×12″×12″) for one adult; 40 breeder (36″×18″) preferred.
  • Juveniles: 5–10 gal short-term grow-outs (<~6 months or <30 g) with planned upgrade.
  • Safety: Escape-proof lid; thermostat-controlled heat; probe + IR thermometer for surface temps.

Furnishing

  • Size: Horizontal floor space prioritized.
  • Lid: Tight mesh/top with ample ventilation.
  • Hides: Three-hides system—warm/dry, warm/moist (damp moss), and cool hide.
  • Enrichment: Slate/tile for traction, low rocks/logs, secure tunnels.

Substrate

  • Preferred: Solid surfaces (tile, slate, paper, PVC liner) for easy cleaning and stable belly heat.
  • Alternative (experienced keepers): Firmly packed soil/sand mixes that hold form; avoid loose, dusty particulates for young/naive feeders.
  • Depth: Thin bedding for solids; 1–2″ (2.5–5 cm) for packed mixes.

Habitat

  • Water: Shallow dish refreshed daily; maintain a moist hide to prevent stuck shed.
  • Décor: Flat stones over heat zone (use spacers), cork flats, low ledges.
  • Behavior Fit: Crepuscular patrols; post-meal basking on warm surface.

Environment Targets Set & Monitor

Temp: °F
Target: warm-side surface 88–92 °F (31–33 °C); cool side 75–80 °F (24–27 °C); allow a gentle night dip.
Humidity: %
Aim for ~30–45% RH with a dedicated humid hide for shedding; keep general enclosure dry.

Lighting

Provide a 12L:12D cycle. Low-output UVB (2–7%) is optional but beneficial if shade is available; heat is still essential for digestion.

Food & Water

  • Juveniles: Daily or every-other-day insects (crickets, dubia, mealworms, BSFL); prey size ≈ space between eyes.
  • Adults: 2–4 insect meals/week; vary species; gut-load 24–48 h prior.
  • Supplements: Calcium + D3 dust 1–2×/week; multivitamin 1×/week; offer plain calcium access.
  • Hydration: Fresh water daily; re-wet moist hide as needed.

Cleaning

  • Spot-Clean: Remove feces/urates daily; wipe feeding areas.
  • Deep Clean: Replace liners or sanitize hardscape every 2–4 weeks; rinse décor with hot water only.
Safety: Verify surface temps with an IR gun; use thermostats on all heat sources. Avoid cohabitation except expert-managed female pairs in large enclosures with duplicate resources. Support the body when handling—never lift by the tail.
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