Leopard gecko — Care Sheet & Morphs

Husbandry requirements

Leopard gecko — origin: Afghanistan, Pakistan, NW India, Iran — arid, rocky grassland.

Terrarium temperature gradient

Night min20 °C

Cool side22–24 °C

Warm side28–30 °C

Basking spot30–32 °C

Belly heat — leopard geckos absorb warmth through the belly; run the heat mat/DHP through a thermostat

Enclosure (adult)

90 × 45 × 45 cm

Low, terrestrial vivarium (they cannot climb glass)

Requires the following hides: a warm hide, a cool hide, and a humid hide for shedding

Humidity

30–40 %

Dry overall, but a humid hide is essential for clean sheds

Substrate

TilePaper / kitchen rollBioactive (topsoil / sand mix)

Avoid loose sand for juveniles (impaction risk)

UVB

Recommended

Low-level UVB (low Ferguson zone) is beneficial, though they were historically kept without it

Water source

Always available

Shallow water dish available at all times

Origin

Eublepharidae

Afghanistan, Pakistan, NW India, Iran — arid, rocky grassland

Feeding & health

Diet

Insectivore — Crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms — gut-loaded and dusted with calcium and vitamin D

Calcium and vitamin D supplementation is non-negotiable to prevent metabolic bone disease

Breeding

Oviparous

Clutch 1–2 eggs/young. Multiple clutches per season; temperature-dependent sex determination (incubation temperature influences sex)

Health watch points

Metabolic bone disease (calcium / vitamin D deficiency)
Impaction (loose substrate)
Retained shed / dysecdysis (no humid hide)
Tail loss under stress

Morphs & genetics

Registry of 12 documented genes and 9 named combos for Leopard gecko.

Tremper Albino texas albinoRec
Bell Albino florida albinoRec
Rainwater Albino las vegas albinoRec
Mack SnowInc.d
Gem SnowInc.d
EclipseRec
BlizzardRec
Murphy Patternless pattyRec
EnigmaDom
White and Yellow (W&Y)Dom
Lemon FrostDom
Giant / Super GiantInc.d

Named combos — 9 documented combined morphs

RAPTORRADARTyphoonDiablo BlancoBlack HoleGalaxy / Total EclipseSunglow (Tremper)CreamsicleDreamsicle

Pairing calculator

Pick each parent's genotype — clutch probabilities update live. Free, no sign-up.

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Leopard gecko × Leopard gecko

Probabilities per gene (independent loci).

Expected clutchSelect at least one gene on a parent.

Frequently asked questions

Answers to the most common questions about keeping the leopard gecko.

How big does a leopard gecko get?▾

Most leopard geckos reach about 20 to 25 cm as adults. The selectively bred "Giant" lines are the exception, sometimes approaching 30 cm and 100 g or more.

What kind of terrarium does it need?▾

Since it can't climb glass, it lives in a low, terrestrial vivarium of at least 90 × 45 × 45 cm. Set up three separate hides inside: a warm one, a cool one, and a humid one.

Why is a humid hide essential?▾

Even though the overall environment stays dry, around 30 to 40% humidity, a humid hide is essential for clean, complete sheds. Without one, the gecko risks incomplete shedding, especially on the toes.

How should it be heated correctly?▾

Leopard geckos absorb heat through their belly, so a heat mat or ceramic heat emitter controlled by a thermostat is the best choice. Aim for a basking spot of 30 to 32 °C, a warm side of 28–30 °C, and a cool side of 22–24 °C, never dropping below 20 °C at night.

What does it eat and how should it be supplemented?▾

It's an insectivore that feeds on crickets, dubia roaches, and mealworms. These feeder insects should first be gut-loaded, then dusted with calcium and vitamin D3; this supplementation is essential to prevent metabolic bone disease.

Does it need UVB lighting?▾

Low-level UVB, in the low Ferguson zone, is beneficial for it, even though the species has traditionally been kept without it. It's not strictly mandatory, but it's a real plus for its health.

How long does a leopard gecko live?▾

It's a long-term companion: leopard geckos commonly live 15 to 20 years, sometimes longer. This commitment should be carefully considered before adoption.

Is it easy to handle?▾

Extremely docile and tolerant, it's one of the easiest reptiles to handle. This natural calmness makes it one of the best choices for beginners.

Is it suitable for a beginner?▾

Absolutely: its simple requirements, calm temperament, and hardiness make it one of the most recommended reptiles for a first terrarium.

Should sand be avoided as substrate?▾

Yes, especially for juveniles: loose sand substrate can be swallowed and cause intestinal impaction. Tile, paper towel, or a well-designed bioactive substrate are safer choices.

Why did my gecko lose its tail?▾

Leopard geckos can voluntarily drop their tail (autotomy) in response to stress or being grabbed roughly. Since the tail also serves as a fat reserve, always handle the gecko gently and never grab it by the tail.

Where does the leopard gecko come from?▾

It's native to the arid, rocky steppes of Afghanistan, Pakistan, northwestern India, and Iran. This dry, mineral-rich habitat directly informs how its terrarium should be set up.

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