Western New York Herpetological Society 

www.wnyherp.org © 2001 - 2002 by Western New York Herpetological Society 

This document is for guidance only and should not be used as the sole source of information. New information is being developed daily. It is recommend that a concerted effort be made to maintain up-to-date knowledge of the animals of interest. 

Common Name: Leopard Gecko Name: Lampropeltis spp. Native to: Eublepharis maculariusSize:  8 to 9 inches Life Span: Up to 18 years. General Appearance: Yellow background color with adults having brown spots. They have obvious ears and possess eyelids. They have no adhesive toe pads like other types of geckos, but do have claws on their toes. 

Enclosure: A 20-gallon long aquarium will be adequate for 3-4 geckos (only 1 male per enclosure--they are territorial). Rocks and logs will provide climbing areas and hiding places. Each gecko must have its own hiding place. A lid is not necessary for the geckos, since they do not climb glass, but will help keep crickets from escaping. 

Temperature: Daytime high should be 820 F on one end of tank to 900 F under a spot light (choose wattage appropriate for providing the correct temperature. Night temperature should be 70-720 F. A small part of the substrate should be heated to 920 F using an under tank heat pad. 

Heat/Light: No special UV lighting is needed as these geckos are nocturnal. A spotlight with the appropriate wattage bulb should be used for maintaining daytime heat/light.Substrates: Anything from newspaper to sand may be used, but sand produces the most natural setup. DO NOT use cedar. Environment: Dry, arid type climate. However, the area under the hide box should be kept moist to aid shedding and simulate their natural burrows. A shallow water dish should be available at all times.  Diet: Crickets, mealworms, waxworms for adult lizards. Hatchlings and juveniles should be fed small, appropriately sized crickets only. Adults will also eat an occasional pinkie mouse. Crickets should be dusted with calcium/D3 powder and vitamin supplements at every feeding for hatchlings & juveniles, and every other feeding for adults. Avoid wild caught insects! Maintenance: Keep substrate free of waste products. Water dish must be washed and refilled daily to prevent bacterial growth. Change substrate regularly. 

More info:   

"General Care & Maintenance of Leopard Geckos and African Fat Tailed Geckos" by Philippe de Vosjoli. 

"Leopard Geckos" Reptiles Magazine, April 1994. P16-22