Leopard gecko | Facts & Information

# Leopard Gecko | Facts & Information

Leopard Gecko | Discover Fascinating Facts and Information About Leopard Gecko

The leopard Gecko (Eublepharis macularius) is a species of lizard, native to Pakistan, Afghanistan,Iran, Iraq and is one of the most indicated species for the possession of a reptile by beginners. It is a docile species, extraordinarily beautiful and delicate !

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Leopard Gecko

Leopard Gecko

The leopard gecko (Eublepharis macularius) is a small reptilian lizard native to arid and semi-arid regions in South and East Asia. It is a fascinating and popular animal in the world of pet reptiles due to its unique appearance and interesting behavior. This article will explore the habitat, physical characteristics, diet, behavior, and reproduction of this interesting animal.

The leopard gecko primarily lives in dry and desert regions, such as deserts, rocky areas, and savannas in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, and India. These geckos are adapted to survive in these extreme environments, where temperatures can be very high and water resources are limited. They are nocturnal animals, spending their days hiding in cracks or crevices under rocks and venturing out to hunt at night.

A distinctive feature of the leopard gecko is its attractive and varied appearance. These reptiles have a base color of yellow or light cream, covered with black spots or oval-shaped stripes, giving them a leopard-like appearance. Their size ranges from 20 to 30 centimeters, making them relatively small compared to other gecko species. Another interesting feature is the presence of movable eyelids, known as "blinking eyes," which allows them to maintain clear vision even during rapid movements.

The leopard gecko is an omnivorous animal and feeds on a variety of insects, worms, larvae, and other small creatures found in its natural habitat. Sometimes, they may also eat certain fruits, such as peaches and mangoes. The search for food is an important aspect of their behavior, as these geckos use their sticky and long tongues to catch prey. Their tongue stretches out quickly and sticks to insects before being retracted back into the mouth.

In addition to feeding, the behavior of the leopard gecko is also captivating. Unlike other gecko species that can move on walls and ceilings with the help of adhesive pads, these geckos do not have this ability. They prefer to explore terrestrial environments and move using their small and powerful legs. They also have a thick and curled tail, which provides balance and stability during their movements.

The reproduction of the leopard gecko takes place through sexual reproduction, with females laying eggs. Prior to mating, males tend to go through a fighting stage, where they will confront and push each other away to gain the right to approach females. After mating, females will lay eggs in the ground or in the mating substrate, and then take care of them until the hatchlings emerge. The incubation period lasts approximately 45-60 days, and the hatchlings acquire the appearance and characteristics of their species in the first few weeks of life.

In conclusion, the leopard gecko is an interesting and attractive animal that has captured the attention of many reptile enthusiasts. Its unique appearance, adaptation to arid environments, and fascinating behavior make it an amazing animal to study and admire. However, it is important to maintain a balance in captivity by providing them with the appropriate habitat, proper food, and necessary care to ensure the well-being of these beautiful creatures.

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Origin

Leopard geckos live in arid areas especially Stony deserts, avoid sandy deserts. They're strictly nocturnal !!!! They avoid the heat of the day by hiding in cracks and caverns, and at night they go hunting in search of insects (they also eat scorpions and other lizards !).

They live in colonies and are exclusively terrestrial ( they do not have the ability found in tokay geckos or bibrons to "climb" vertically on any surfaces).

It was first described as a species in 1854 by zoologist Edward Blyth. It is nicknamed the "desert leopard".

Leopard Gecko Feed

The leopard gecko is generally insectivorous, meaning it feeds on crickets, worms, moths, spiders, ants and other insects.

It's good to know that geckos don't feed on corpses.

Leopard Gecko Features

They reach 20-25 cm in size, and their name comes from the spots that cover their body (at maturity), similar to leopard spots.

The background color is yellow (in those with standard color) although several varieties of colors have appeared (albino, amelanistici,jungle, striped, leucistici,etc...), most of which are mutations produced by selective crossing of parents with a special color.

It is a species in which eyelids are present (they can blink, and when they sleep, they do it with their eyes closed). The toes have claws and cannot “climb” on vertical planes like other gecko species (e.g. gecko bibroni, phelsuma,etc.).

The tail is very sensitive, being present the phenomenon of autotomy specific to lizards (they break their tail when they feel threatened), but because of this it is necessary to take special care in handling them because in the tail there are fat and water reserves that help them to resist without food and water for a certain period of time (which may differ depending on the temperature of the environment in which they live).

Leopard Gecko Breeding

Leopard gecko lizards are known to be heat dependent in sex determination. Research shows that more females can get out at lower (26 – 30grc) and high (34 – 35grc) temperatures.

Males usually come out at intermediate temperatures (31 – 33grc). Females reproduced at higher temperatures (hot females) usually cannot reproduce.

Sexual maturity is reached at the age of 8-9 months. Breeding is done with one male and several female geckos. The female will sit in front of him and the male will choose which one to mate with.

When he's ready, he'll wag his tail and chase the female. After catching it, mating will take place. During the act it can bite her neck and sometimes her tail can come off. Don't worry it will grow back.

Leopard geckos usually mate during the summer. Females can store sperm so there is no need for the male for a while after the first mating.

After mating, the female lays two eggs at a time interval of 21-28 days. After 45-60 days appear small drops of moisture on the eggs and they can shrink a little, it is a sign that they hatch.

The leopard cub will have an" egg tooth " on its snout that helps it break the Shell to emerge from the egg. This tooth will fall out in 1-2 days.

Leopard Gecko Diseases

Gastoenteritis or diarrhea. It is a disease caused by an infection for reasons of terrarium hygiene.

Bone diseases of metabolism. Because of the lack of calcium and vitamin D. They are critical for bone formation during development.

Anorexia. It can be caused by stress or other diseases.

Stomatitis. It occurs when the gecko shows bumps in the mouth area.

Pneumonia. severe respiratory tract infection caused by bacteria in the lungs

Cryptosporidiosis. Also known as crypto, it is a contagious disease usually fatal to geckos if it is not detected and treated.

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