The Leopard Gecko: a Petite, Friendly Dinosaur

Native to Afghanistan, Pakistan and parts of India, the leopard gecko is a nocturnal and solitary lizard. With its varied color patterns, natural spotted markings, and unique moveable eyeballs, this lizard is something special. One of the most popular pet lizards around, the leopard gecko has been bred in the United States for more than 30 years.

Leopard geckos make excellent pets for reptile lovers, from beginners to expert herpetoculturists. This lizard offers minimal care requirements: quiet, no smell, inexpensive, and does not require a lot of space. In addition to an aquarium and a substrate for bedding, the home of a captive gecko needs a heat source and a box for the gecko to hide in during the day.

The average adult gecko is 8 to 9 inches in length and weighs in at 45 to 65 grams. In captivity, a leopard gecko can live for up to 10 years.   Adult leopard geckos can shed their skin once a month and will eat the shed. By eating their shed skin they obtain important vitamins and protein. A plump tail is a sure sign of a well-fed, healthy gecko. Its tail contains stored fat that will help the lizard survive during times of food scarcity and also help to supply the leopard gecko with energy.

Feeding the leopard gecko is an interesting and amusing task. Mealworms and crickets are its primary food sources. "Gut loading" your insects before feeding to your gecko will maximize their nutritional value. Gut loading is the process of feeding your insects a commercial cricket food so they will be a healthy dinner for your lizard. A gecko also needs a calcium and vitamin D3 supplement. A small shallow bowl of the vitamin powder may be left in the cage or you can "dust" the insects with the powder before feeding to your gecko. The leopard gecko likes to stalk its prey like an actual leopard does, so make sure the insects in his food dish or cage are alive. Wax worms make good treats for your gecko but only a few per week as they are high in fat.

If you are searching for a lizard that is attractive, low-maintenance, and can wash his eye with his tongue, then a leopard gecko may be just the pet for you.