# Leopard Gecko (*Eublepharis macularius*) > 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. - **Category:** Reptile - **Conservation status (IUCN):** Least Concern - **Range:** The dry grasslands and rocky deserts of Afghanistan, Pakistan, northwestern India, and Iran. - **Canonical page:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/leopard-gecko/ - **Last reviewed:** 2026-07-16 ## Scientific classification - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Reptilia - **Order:** Squamata - **Family:** Eublepharidae - **Genus:** Eublepharis ## Facts at a glance | Attribute | Value | | --- | --- | | Scientific name | Eublepharis macularius | | Diet | Insectivore | | Habitat | Arid grassland and rocky desert | | Lifespan | 15–20 years in captivity | | Length | 18–25 cm (7–10 in) including tail | | Top speed | Up to 12 km/h (7 mph) in short dashes | | Conservation status | Least Concern (IUCN) | ## 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. ## Natural habitat and behaviour In the wild the leopard gecko lives across the arid grasslands and rocky deserts of Pakistan, Afghanistan, north-west India, and Iran. It is crepuscular, most active at dusk and dawn, and shelters by day in burrows and under rocks to escape the fierce heat. During the coolest part of the year it may enter a period of reduced activity called brumation. Short dashes of up to about 12 km/h (7 mph) let it snap up prey and dart back to cover. ## Diet Leopard geckos are insectivores, hunting live prey such as crickets, mealworms, dubia roaches, and the occasional waxworm as a treat. In captivity their food is usually dusted with calcium and vitamin supplements to keep their bones healthy, since a varied insect diet alone can fall short. They do not eat plants or fruit at all. A healthy adult is fed every few days, while growing juveniles need feeding more often. ## Keeping one as a pet The leopard gecko is one of the most popular pet reptiles and a common first lizard because it is small, docile, and undemanding. A single adult needs a floor-space enclosure of at least around 60 by 30 cm, with a warm basking zone and a cooler end so it can regulate its temperature, plus a humid hide to help it shed its skin. Keepers use an under-tank heat source or overhead heating to create the gradient, along with clean water and secure hides. Handled gently and regularly, most become tame and tolerant of being picked up. ## The tail and defence Like many lizards, the leopard gecko can shed its tail when grabbed by a predator, a process called autotomy, and the detached tail wriggles to distract the attacker while the gecko escapes. A new tail grows back over time, but it is usually shorter, smoother, and blunter than the original. Because the tail is a vital fat store, losing it is costly, so a dropped tail is often a sign of stress or rough handling. Gentle, low-stress care helps keep the original tail intact. ## Lifespan and health Leopard geckos are notably long-lived, commonly reaching 15 to 20 years in captivity with good care, and males in particular can live even longer. Their long lives make them a real commitment for any keeper. Common health problems include metabolic bone disease from too little calcium and vitamin D, and impaction from swallowing loose substrate, both largely preventable with correct feeding and setup. As a widespread species, the leopard gecko is assessed as Least Concern in the wild. ## Frequently asked questions ### How long do leopard geckos live? Leopard geckos are long-lived reptiles, commonly reaching 15 to 20 years in captivity with good care. Males in particular can live even longer, so keeping one is a long-term commitment. ### What do leopard geckos eat? Leopard geckos are insectivores that eat live prey such as crickets, mealworms, and dubia roaches. In captivity their food is usually dusted with calcium and vitamin supplements, and they do not eat any plants or fruit. ### Are leopard geckos good pets for beginners? Yes. Leopard geckos are among the most popular beginner reptiles because they are small, docile, hardy, and undemanding. They need a warm-to-cool temperature gradient, a humid hide, live insect food, and gentle regular handling to stay tame and healthy. ### How big do leopard geckos get? Adult leopard geckos reach about 18 to 25 cm (7 to 10 in) in length including the tail, and weigh around 60 grams. Males are generally a little larger and bulkier than females. ### Can a leopard gecko lose its tail? Yes. Like many lizards, a leopard gecko can drop its tail when grabbed or badly stressed, and the wriggling tail distracts a predator while it escapes. A new tail regrows but is usually shorter and blunter, and since the tail stores fat, losing it is costly. ### Do leopard geckos climb like other geckos? No. Unlike many geckos, leopard geckos lack sticky toe pads, so they cannot climb smooth glass or walls and live on the ground instead. They also have movable eyelids, which most other geckos do not. ## Sources - [IUCN Red List — Eublepharis macularius.](https://www.iucnredlist.org/search?query=Eublepharis%20macularius&searchType=species) - [Animal Diversity Web — Eublepharis macularius. University of Michigan Museum of Zoology.](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Eublepharis_macularius/) - [Wikipedia — Leopard Gecko.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leopard_gecko) --- Source: Global Animal Guide (https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/leopard-gecko/). Licensed CC BY-NC 4.0 — free for non-commercial reuse with attribution.