Product Description
Scientific name: Eublepharis Macularius
The leopard gecko, is one of the most commonly kept reptiles in the
pet industry. Many factors contribute to this including easy of
feeding, minimal space requirements, beauty, and because it is
easily obtained from most local and national pet shops. Being one
of the first captive bred reptiles, this species has evolved to
include many different morphs (color patterns). Through selective
breeding of individuals with similar desired traits. These traits
vary, but are different coloration markings, some of which look
very exotic. These genetic mutations are then given names, often
referring to their specific coloration. Some names are even
copyrighted by the breeder, so as to capitalize upon their being
the first breeder of that individual trait. Even though there are
many variations of the leopard gecko, they are all classified under
the same scientific name of Eublepharis macularius. Some well-known
variations are striped, high yellow, jungle, ghost, raptor,
leucistic, albino, and many others.
A leopard gecko can live to be over 20 years old. As an adult, the
average length is between 7 and 10 inches (up to 25 cm). The speed
at which your leopard gecko grows from hatching to adulthood is
dependable, like all reptiles on feeding schedule, and volume
intake. That being said, leopard geckos, like all captive reptiles,
can have a propensity towards obesity. It is important, as with all
pets, to keep to a diet regiment, which provides for a healthy
lizard.
Due to the frequency of breeding in captivity, the leopard gecko is
available as a captive bred specimen for prices in the same
vicinity of wild caught individuals. Captive bred reptiles should
be parasite free, more tolerant to human contact, and in better
overall health. There are still a number of wild caught leopard
geckos, being imported primarily from Pakistan and India. Males
should never be housed together, as they tend to be territorial
with one another, competing for mates. Unlike many other lizards
however, males (solitary) may be kept with females at a ratio up to
1:10.
Males are somewhat larger than females and reach sexual maturity at
approximately 10 months of age. For a first time breeding project,
leopard geckos are an excellent choice. There is an immense volume
of information available about every aspect of leopard gecko care,
and breeding. Females may lay up to 16 eggs per season. Careful
regulation of temperature is required to prevent the eggs from
being infertile. Leopard geckos are Temperature dependant sexually
determined (TSD). What this means is that eggs incubated at higher
temperatures will produce male offspring and eggs incubated at
lower temperatures will produce female offspring. These incubation
temperatures are approximately 82 for females and 90 degrees for
males. Having this temperature dependency allows professional
breeders to determine the outcome of a hatching, dependant with the
needs of that breeder. The sex will be determined within the first
two weeks of incubation, with the young hatching in as little as 70
days of incubation.
As with any pet, you should have their habitat set up, prior to
receiving your pet. To keep one leopard gecko, one should consider
a cage with a minimum of 12 inches by 12 inches, and sides at least
10 inches high. While being, they do have some ability to climb,
that being said it is in the best interest of your gecko to provide
a screen lid that can be secured. While it may, or may not be
necessary to keep your specific pet in, it can keep out dangers as
well (i.e. other pets, or poisonous/ venomous insects). It is
important to be able to regulate the temperature for your leopard
gecko. This may be done with any combination of lights, undertank
heaters, or ceramic heat emitters. While there is little study on
the subject of reptile emotions and psychology, it should be
relatively easy to assume that producing a replicated naturalistic
environment will produce less stressed animals. Allowing, a habitat
large enough that you can create a temperature gradient, allows
your gecko to naturally control his or her temperature much as they
would do in the wild. Providing basking surfaces is important, but
it is highly recommended not to use heat rocks. Electrical heat
rocks are inconsistent with temperatures and can cause burns to the
underneath side of your leopard gecko. The heat produced is also
very artificial in comparison to the use of a full spectrum light
bulb. Other required furniture is a hide box, which provides a
place for your
