Eublepharis macularius, commonly known as the leopard gecko, is a reptile native to the arid and semi-arid regions of South Asia, particularly Pakistan, India, Afghanistan and Iran. This gecko is very popular in domestic breeding due to its calm temperament, hardiness and ease of adaptation to life in captivity. It has a robust body, with a total length that can reach between 18 and 25 cm in adults, including its thick tail. Its skin is covered by soft scales and has a coloration that varies between yellow and brown, with dark spots that give it the mottled appearance reminiscent of leopards, from which its common name derives.
Unlike many other geckos, the Eublepharis macularius has movable eyelids, allowing it to close its eyes, a unique feature within its family. This trait is an adaptation to its dry and dusty habitat, protecting its eyes from particles and facilitating ocular hydration. Furthermore, its behavior is predominantly nocturnal, allowing it to avoid extreme daytime temperatures and go hunting at night when the temperature is cooler. It feeds primarily on insects and other invertebrates, such as crickets, cockroaches, and silkworms.
Another notable feature of this gecko is its ability to store fat in its tail, allowing it to survive during periods of food or water shortages. The tail also serves a defensive function, as it can be detached as an escape mechanism when the gecko feels threatened. While the tail regenerates, it never grows back to the same thickness or shape as the original.
In its natural environment, Eublepharis macularius lives in rocky and dry terrain, using crevices and small shelters to protect itself from predators and extreme weather. Although it is not endangered, wild populations can be affected by habitat degradation due to human activity. However, its success in captivity has made the leopard gecko one of the most popular species among reptile enthusiasts, contributing to its wide distribution in the pet arena globally.
Approximate Gecko measurements:
Unlike many other geckos, the Eublepharis macularius has movable eyelids, allowing it to close its eyes, a unique feature within its family. This trait is an adaptation to its dry and dusty habitat, protecting its eyes from particles and facilitating ocular hydration. Furthermore, its behavior is predominantly nocturnal, allowing it to avoid extreme daytime temperatures and go hunting at night when the temperature is cooler. It feeds primarily on insects and other invertebrates, such as crickets, cockroaches, and silkworms.
Another notable feature of this gecko is its ability to store fat in its tail, allowing it to survive during periods of food or water shortages. The tail also serves a defensive function, as it can be detached as an escape mechanism when the gecko feels threatened. While the tail regenerates, it never grows back to the same thickness or shape as the original.
In its natural environment, Eublepharis macularius lives in rocky and dry terrain, using crevices and small shelters to protect itself from predators and extreme weather. Although it is not endangered, wild populations can be affected by habitat degradation due to human activity. However, its success in captivity has made the leopard gecko one of the most popular species among reptile enthusiasts, contributing to its wide distribution in the pet arena globally.
Approximate Gecko measurements:
- 1:2 scale Complete
- Length 88 mm
- Snout-tail length 100 mm
- 1:1 scale Complete
- Length 176 mm
- Snout-tail length 200 mm
