Scientific Classification

Common Name

leopard gecko, panther gecko

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Reptilia

Order

Squamata

Family

Gekkonidae

Genus Species

Eublepharis (well-made eyelid) macularius (spotted)

Fast Facts

Description

Light lavender lizard with dark purple spots; eyes are prominent in all species; toe pads are not sticky, instead they have claws

Size

17.5-25 cm (7-10 in.) in total body length

Weight

No data

Diet

Insects, including scorpions, but will also eat other lizards

Incubation

52 days

Clutch Size: 2 eggs

Sexual Maturity

18 months

Life Span

Up to 20 years

Range

Southern Asia, in India, Pakistan, southeast Afghanistan, Iran, and Iraq

Habitat

Rocky deserts and sparse grasslands; mountains up to altitudes of 2,100 m above sea level

Population

Global: No data

Status 

IUCN: No data
CITES: Not listed
USFWS: Not listed

Fun Facts

1. Nearly all geckos have a voice, ranging from a small squeak to the deafening whistles of the African whistling gecko.
2. Many geckos lack eyelids, but the leopard gecko's are not only has translucent, but they are movable, which allows them to blink and close their eyes while sleeping.
3. Like many lizards, the leopard gecko has a tail, which breaks off readily when grabbed by a predator. This permits the gecko to get away if attacked. Unfortunately, it leaves a valuable food resource behind; the tail is used as a fat storage for lean periods.
4. They are strictly nocturnal, keeping out of the heat of the day, emerging at night from holes and crevices to hunt for food.
5. They are strictly nocturnal, keeping out of the heat of the day, emerging at night from holes and crevices to hunt for food.

Ecology and Conservation

Leopard geckos are very popular in the pet trade and sometimes are unfortunately released to the wild in non-indigenous areas. The geckos are very effective in maintaining insect populations and are prey for other species.

Bibliography

Barlett, R.D. and Patricial P. Bartlett. Iguanas. Barron's, New York. 1995.

Flank, Lenny Jr. Herp Help. New York: Howell Book House, 1998.

Halliday, Tim R., and Adler, Kraig. The Encyclopedia of Reptiles and Amphibians. New York: Equinox Books, 1986.

whozoo.org/students/marmar/leopgeck.htm