Origin
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 !
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.
