Species:  Eublepharis macularius

Natural Distribution:  Western Asia up to Northwest India

Length:  10in (25cm)

Description

Leopard Geckos are brilliant for beginners, they are widely breed in captivity and can become very tame especially if handled as babies.  They are very hardy and pretty lizards and they store their fat in there tail.  Care must be taken not to grab the tail as it may result in them shedding it to get away and although it will grow back it will never be as perfect as the original.  Leopard geckos are ground dwellers and are crepuscular to nocturnal an so do not require full spectrum (UVB) light and shelter is vital for these light shy creatures.

Leopard geckos like company and will thrive with a partner or a colony consisting of one male and several females.  Males are more heavily built with broader heads, they have 2 small hemi penal swellings and a V shaped row  of pre-anal pores.

Vivarium Setup

Size:  min 24x12x15in (60x38x30cm) for pair or trio

Design:  Terrestrial                              Type:  Desert

Substrate:  Dry dust free sand, 2 to 4 in deep 

Temperature:  25.5°C (78°F) at cool end, 30°C (86°F) at hot spot; 21°C (70°F) at night. 

Heat rock can be provided at night

Photoperiod:  14 hours

Winter Cooling:  24°C (75°F) during day, 18°C (64°F) at night for 8 weeks      Photoperiod:  7-8 hours

Light:  Basking lamp or high watt light bulb to provide day temperatures   

Feeding 

Insectivorous. Most insect and arthropods dusted with supplements. Calcium very important to females