Leopard Gecko

This terrestrial gecko certainly is among the top five favorite reptile pets. It is hardy, docile, and long-lived (up to 20 years or more), and breeders have developed a seemingly infinite variety of color forms. Unlike most geckos that have a clear scale covering the eyes like snakes, Leopard Geckos belong to a family of geckos that have eyelids. They are nocturnal, but pet Leopard Geckos may become accustomed to being active during the daytime. This is a desert species that requires a warm terrarium with a hot end of 85-95ºF and a cooler end ten or fifteen degrees less. This is best accomplished by using an undertank heater placed beneath one end of the enclosure. Much of the cage should be dry, but they do like a humid hide box to help them shed their skin and stay healthy. Leopard geckos feed on a variety of insects and other arthropods, and large specimens (they can reach ten inches or more in total length) will accept newborn mice. Although mealworms should be offered sparingly or not at all with most lizards due to potential stomach impaction, many Leopard Gecko breeders feed their lizards nothing but mealworms offered in a dish full of reptile calcium/mineral supplement.