Mary Allen
Leopard gecko: species and habitat
The leopard gecko (Eublepharis) is a lizard of the lid gecko family (Eublepharidae). still have movable eyelids, which are closed when sleeping. This family of lid geckos is considered the oldest gecko family and have simply built feet without adhesive lamellae. There are five types of leopard gecko:
- Leopard gecko (Eublepharis macularius)
- East Indian fat-tailed gecko (Eublepharis hardwickii)
- Iranian fat-tailed gecko (Eublepharis angrainyu)
- Turkmen Eyelid Gecko (Eublepharis turcmenicus)
- West Indian leopard gecko (Eublepharis fuscus)
Eublepharis macularius is the best known and most popular representative of the leopard geckos. In addition to the five subspecies, there are leopard geckos in numerous color variants and drawings. For example Albino, Sunglow, Tangerine, Nominat, High Yellow, Hypo, Pastel and Ghost.
It is believed that the original leopard gecko habitat was Southeast Asia. Today the lizards are represented much further west, namely as far as Turkey. The distribution of the reptiles depends on their subspecies: Eublepharis macularius inhabits north-western India, central Pakistan and parts of Afghanistan. Eublepharis hardwickii and Eublepharis fuscus live in parts of India. Eublepharis angramainyu is native to northern Syria and parts of Iraq and Iran, and Eublepharis turcmenicus is found exclusively in southern Turkmenistan.
Leopard geckos inhabit arid and semi-arid steppes, as well as tropical and subtropical deserts and semi-deserts. In their natural habitat, the animals are used to a hot climate.
Found throughout Asia and the Middle East although primarily located in areas of Northern India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran in arid, mountainous deserts. Leopard Geckos prefer a rocky substrate to a sandy substrate and are almost always found on rocky outcroppings.
Are leopard geckos desert or tropical?
Although technically a desert species, leopard geckos actually inhabit grasslands and rocky shrub-steppe. These locations provide temperatures suitable for a natural leopard gecko’s habitat. These temps can range well over 110 degrees F in the summer.
Where is a geckos habitat?
Geckos are reptiles and are found on all the continents except Antarctica. These colorful lizards have adapted to habitats from rain forests, to deserts, to cold mountain slopes. Over a long period of time, geckos have developed special physical features to help them survive and avoid predators.
Can leopard geckos live in the wild?
Leopard geckos in the wild are found primarily in the deserts of the Middle East, namely Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Northern India. They thrive in dry and arid climates and live in areas with rocky crags, and dry grasslands.
What should leopard geckos live on?
Feeding: Leopard geckos live off live insects. The best insects to use as a staple diet are mealworms or crickets, with waxworms or superworms being given once a week as a treat. Insects found outside should not be fed as they may have been exposed to toxins.
Can leopard geckos live in a fish tank?
Green anoles (Anolis carolinensis), day geckos (Phelsuma sp.), tokay geckos (Gekko gecko), leopard geckos (Eublepharis macularius) and crested geckos (Rhacodactylus ciliatus) are all well-suited for aquariums.
How long do leopard geckos live?
A leopard gecko can grow to around 15 to 25 centimetres and live for 10 to 20 years in captivity, so owning one is a big commitment. They prefer to live alone but can become used to being handled if done so carefully.