Geckos · Genus: Eublepharis
Leopard gecko
BeginnerEublepharis macularius
The leopard gecko is a ground-dwelling, crepuscular and nocturnal eyelid gecko native to the dry rocky and steppe landscapes of Pakistan, Afghanistan, and northwestern India. Adults reach a total length of 20 to 25 cm and can live 15 to 20 years under good care. Unlike many other geckos, it has movable eyelids and no adhesive lamellae, so it cannot climb glass surfaces. It feeds exclusively on live insects and is a solitary animal. Due to its calm nature, modest climate requirements, and the wide availability of captive-bred specimens, it is considered one of the most suitable lizards for beginners. However, due to its long lifespan, keeping one is a commitment for many years.
- Origin
- PakistanAfghanistanIndia
- Activity time
- Crepuscular/nocturnal
- Overwintering
- Yes
- Overwintering details
- In the wild, they undergo a cool winter dormancy lasting several months. Optional in captivity, but recommended for breeding. approximately 6-8 weeks at 15-18 °C stop feeding two weeks beforehand, but continue to provide water.
- Social behavior
- Solitary animals - keeping them alone is recommended. Never keep males together place males and females together only briefly for breeding.
Biology & traits
- Total length
- 20-25 cm
- Breeding possible
- Yes
- Lifespan
- 15–20 years
Terrarium & husbandry
- Temperature
- 24-28 °C
- Air humidity
- 30-50 %
- Lighting
- Recommended
- Minimum terrarium size
- 50x50x100
- Substrate
- Sand-Lehmgemisch
Nutrition & care
- Feeding notes
- Live insects (crickets, grasshoppers, cockroaches, locusts), no wider than the width of a head. Feed juveniles daily, adults every 3-5 days: dust the food with calcium.