Want to find out more about the Leopard Gecko? This unique looking herpatile is certainly gaining a lot of fans around the country, among enthusiasts, breeders, and pet lovers alike. One look at the colourful "designer lizards" as they are sometimes called is enough to melt your heart and make you want one. To get you more familiarized with this wonderful living ornament, here are some Leopard Gecko facts for you.
Basic Facts
Camouflage Sheet Sets
The origins of these lizards are believed to be Middle Eastern. They are said to have originated from the lands of Afghanistan, India, and Pakistan. In the wild, they develop their patterns as a form of camouflage. Needless to say, these patterns are not as interesting or as colourful. However, in captivity, the lizards have been bred for more ornamental purposes, and much like their fish counterparts, the koi, the lizards have now been developed into "designer pets".
Physical Stats
Fully grown, these lizards can grow for up to about a foot in length and can exceed 100 grams. The biggest 'morphs' or variations are called the giants and super giants and some of these giants can reach up to 150 grams! They are born small though, roughly around 3 inches long and 3 grams heavy.
Creatures of the Night
These lizards are nocturnal, meaning they are more active at night. In the wild, they will hunt for their food, insects and worms, during the night and hide out away from the sun and other bigger creatures during the day. This natural instinct stays with the lizards even in captivity and a lizard may become stressed if it can't find a hideout during the day. Consider this when you plan to keep one in captivity. It's best to create hiding places for your gecko in your tank so that the lizard can feel safe and protected during the day.
Insect Diets
These lizards are insectivores, and they live on a staple diet of crickets and mealworms. Crickets are still, by far, the preferred food for these little guys since they give the lizard active prey to hunt. Meal worms are easier to handle, though, and many enthusiasts and keepers use a combination of crickets and meal worms for their lizard's diet. Pinky mice and wax worm are also given as treats but may not be suitable as a regular diet since they aren't as healthy for the lizard.
Also, it is important to note that, although live crickets are preferred, crickets can sometimes cause problems for the lizard. Uneaten live crickets will run around the lizard's habitat, possibly causing stress. Add to this the fact that hungry crickets will bite lizards, possibly causing harm. If you plan to feed your pet crickets, be sure he or she can finish them all off, minimizing crickets escaping the lizard.
Picky about Temperature
These lizards usually need help with their body temperature regulation. To make things easier for them, keepers can provide different temperature areas in the habitat or tank. Usually, two basic temperatures are employed: a warmer temp and a cooler temp. These two areas will give the lizard the option to cool down or warm up depending on the situation.