Introduction to Leopard Geckos
At Lizzys you will find information about leopard geckos, geckos and lizards/reptiles in general. We have worked hard to compile as much relevant gecko care info as we could find. We hope this site will be useful to you, your family and your leopard gecko too.
We also hope the information provided on our leopard gecko care sheet is helpful. Also, if you would like to see more leopard gecko photos, then just check out our gallery. Lizzy loves to have her picture taken and we will try to keep them current.
Lizzy also has a gecko
blog that we use to
let our viewers know how Lizzy is doing and to give them tips on living
with and caring for a leopard gecko as a pet. To check it out go to
Lizzys Update. We
also have a free
video about cleaning and sanitizing your geckos tank. All of the
basics are covered in this 12 minute
video.
Origins of the Leopard Gecko
The Leopard Gecko (Eublepharis macularius) is a nocturnal ground-dwelling gecko. The leopard gecko is native to south-eastern Afghanistan, most of Pakistan, Western India, Afghanistan and the deserts of Iran.
The
leopard gecko inhabits primarily the rocky, dry grassland regions of
these countries. Although some geckos may be wild-caught and imported
from these areas, most of what is available in the pet trade are
captive-bred specimens. The average size of a leopard gecko is 6-8
inches. In captivity, some have reached 9-11 inches and are sturdily
built.
Leopard Geckos As Pets
Leopard Geckos are considered among the most recommendable lizards with which to start the hobby of caring for reptiles and are the most popular reptiles kept as pets. They have many different qualities that appeal to pet keepers. These can include:
- Relatively easy to care for when compared to some other larger reptiles such as iguanas, bearded dragons, anoles. Keep in mind that no reptile is truly easy to care for and in order to raise a happy and healthy pet, you have to be sure to do all the necessary care research in advance and have acquired the necessary knowledge, understanding and supplies.
- The large variety of different colors and patterns that are available.
- They are readily available in most places all year.
- Perfect size for periodic handling.
- Lower space requirements when compared to some other larger reptiles.
- Fairly docile and gentle overall temperment.
Characteristics of the Leopard Gecko
There are five species that are currently recognized:
- Eublepharis angramainyu
- Eublepharis fuscus
- Eublepharis Hardwick
- Eublepharis macularius
- Eublepharis turmerics
Eublepharis Macularius (The Leopard Gecko)
Scientific Classification - Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Reptilia, Order: Squamata, Family: Gekkonidae, Genus: Eublepharis.
The genus Eublepharis was first described by the British zoologist John Edward Gray in 1827. The etymology of their name comes from 'eu blephar' (true eyelid, referring to working eyelids, something which most gecko species lack) and 'macularius' (spotted).
Their eyelids help the gecko keep its eyes clean and particle-free in its dusty environment (most geckos clean and moisten their eyes with their tongues). Many believe that this also gives the leopard gecko more personality. Perhaps contributing to its popularity as a pet.
Unlike other gecko species, the leopard gecko is one of the few geckos that does not have pads e.g. The visible "flat" areas on the toes, which are covered with microscopic hairs and improve the gecko's climbing abilities. Leopard Geckos do not have toepads and therefore it prevents them from climbing.
Leopard geckos are nocturnal by nature which means they are more active during the night time hours. They spend their days hidden under rocks, or in dry burrows to escape the daytime heat. Emerging at dusk the gecko begins to hunt for food like insects, mice and other small creatures. The leopard gecko gets its common name from the adult coloration of wild specimen, which is a cream to yellow ground color with black spots or stripes. However, selective breeding has produced many color morphs, including high yellow, tangerine, striped, patternless (no spots or stripes), lavender, blizzard (which are solid white or gray), and albino (no black pigments in markings).
If your looking for more information on the care of leopard geckos. You can refer to our caresheet. It's loaded with information on the general care, feeding, sexing, and housing of a leopard gecko.
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