# How Long Do Leopard Geckos Live?

> Leopard Gecko lifespan is typically 15–20 years in captivity. What shortens or extends life, life stages, and status (Least Concern).

- **Species:** Leopard Gecko (*Eublepharis macularius*)
- **Conservation status:** Least Concern
- **Diet:** Insectivore
- **Habitat:** Arid grassland and rocky desert
- **Lifespan:** 15–20 years in captivity
- **Top speed:** Up to 12 km/h (7 mph) in short dashes
- **Canonical HTML:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/leopard-gecko/how-long-do-leopard-gecko-live/
- **Parent profile:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/leopard-gecko/
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-07-16

## Quick answer

The leopard gecko (Eublepharis macularius) is a spotted, ground-dwelling lizard from the arid grasslands and rocky deserts of South Asia and the Middle East, and one of the most popular beginner pet reptiles. It grows to about 18 to 25 cm (7 to 10 in) including the tail, is active at dusk, and eats insects. Hardy and long-lived, it can reach 15 to 20 years in captivity and is listed as Least Concern.

## Who should skip this page

Skip this if you need a prognosis for one named animal. This page is a species lifespan range.

## Appearance and features

The leopard gecko takes its name from the dark spots that speckle its yellow, cream, and white body, though decades of captive breeding have produced a huge range of colours and patterns known as morphs. Adults reach about 18 to 25 cm (7 to 10 in) in length including the tail and weigh around 60 grams. Unlike many geckos it has movable eyelids and lacks the sticky toe pads that let others climb glass, so it is a ground-dweller. Its plump tail stores fat as an energy reserve for lean times.

## Help protect the Leopard Gecko

Even familiar animals lose ground as wild habitat keeps shrinking worldwide.

[Donate to wildlife protection](https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/donate/)

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Source: Global Animal Guide (https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/leopard-gecko/how-long-do-leopard-gecko-live/). Licensed CC BY-NC 4.0 — free for non-commercial reuse with attribution.