Leopard Geckos - Basic Info

Leopard geckos belong to the family Eublepharidae, this family includes all geckos with movable eyelids. The members of this family also lack "toe pads" (pads of tiny, hair-like scale projections on the undersides of the toes), therefore these lizards are not able to climb smooth, vertical surfaces.

What's In a Name: The scientific name of the leopard gecko is Eublepharidae macularius (etymology of the name: Eu = good, true; blephar =eyelid; macularius = spotted). Leopard geckos are also commonly sold under the name of Indian or Pakistani fat-tailed geckos. Scientific literature also commonly refers to the leopard gecko species as the spotted fat-tailed gecko.

Natural Habitat: Leopard geckos are nocturnal, ground dwelling reptiles commonly found in small damp or moist areas. These areas include the small caves or crevices found in the desserts of Pakistan, Northwestern India and Afghanistan, along with many other Asian countries.

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Size: Hatchlings can range anywhere from 3 1/4 to 3 1/2 inches in total length. Adult leopard geckos on the other hand, can attain maximum sizes of just over 8 inches, including the tails. However, there have been many reports of leopard geckos reaching nearly ten inches in total length.

Longevity: If properly kept, leopard geckos can live anywhere from 20 to 29 years of age, however longevity does slightly depend on the sex of the gecko. Sometimes however, leopard geckos don't live nearly as long, many leopard geckos that have been kept improperly and malnourished have died near birth or at 1 to 2 years of age.

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Long time leopard gecko enthusiast & expert http://www.earnyourgeckoslove.com/

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