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Leopard Gecko
Eublepharis macularius
A calm, spotted ground gecko that thrives on belly heat and a simple insect diet. One of the easiest lizards to keep.
7–10 in15–20 years
Habitat
Enclosure
20 gal long (30×12×12 in) minimum for one adult
Temperature
Hot hide 88–92°F · cool end 72–78°F
Humidity / Water
30–40% ambient · humid hide at 70–80% for shedding
Heating & lighting
Belly heat is key: an under-tank heat mat or deep heat projector on a thermostat, covering about a third of the floor. UVB isn't strictly required but a low-output UVB lamp is beneficial.
Diet
Feed these
- Crickets
- Dubia roaches
- Mealworms
- Black soldier fly larvae
- Waxworms as an occasional treat
Never feed
- Wild-caught insects
- Anything wider than the space between their eyes
- Fruit and vegetables — they can't digest them
- Pinkie mice (impaction & obesity risk)
Pure insectivores. Feed juveniles daily, adults 2–3 times a week. Dust every insect with calcium + D3 and add a multivitamin weekly.
Cohabitation
Can live with
No one — house this species alone.
Never house with
Other leopard geckos — males fight, females often squabble Any different reptile species
Safest kept alone. Two females sometimes tolerate each other in a very large tank, but bites are common — one gecko per enclosure is the stress-free rule.
