Leopard Gecko - Eublepharis macularius
Habitat:
Rocky, dry/arid foothill regions with hard packed substrate. Also can be found in arid grasslands. Lives under rocks and in small caves and burrows to avoid day time temperatures.
Range:
Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan and parts of India
Activity Cycle:
Nocturnal
Features:
Golden yellow coloring with black spots resembling a leopards spots. Has eyelids, unlike most geckos, so they can blink and close their eyes when sleeping. Typically have a very chunky tail where they store fat and water.
Size:
Hatchlings are between 3-4 inches long, females can get up to 7-8 inches long and males 8-11 inches long
Social Structure:
Solitary
Life Expectancy:
20 years
Diet:
Variety of insects
Reproduction:
Females prefer damp, humid environments for egg laying and bury the eggs in the substrate. Clutches almost universally consist of 2 eggs, although a healthy female may produce as many as 6 clutches per year. The eggs measure approximately 2x1.5 cm, and hatch after 45-53 days at 28 degrees Celsius. Hatchlings are about 8.5 cm in length. Animals reach sexual maturity around 18 months. Leopard geckos are subject to temperature sex determination.
Status:
Very common in the wild and in captivity
Interesting Facts:
- They lack adhesive lamella and have tiny claws instead, which gives them an advantage in sandy environments.
- Leopard geckos’ tails are used as an emergency fat and water supply. When confronted by a predator or if attacked, the leopard gecko will drop their tail to give them enough of a distraction to escape. The leopard gecko’s tail will eventually grow back.
- They have exceptionally good eyesight and hearing, allowing them to escape from predators and to catch their food easily. They also hiss/bark and can shed their skin to remove any scent markers left behind to ward off predators.
- They shed regularly and eat their shed for nutritional benefit.
- They are born “potty trained” and use the same spot in their enclosure for their restroom.
Socialize
