Leopard Gecko
Eublepharis macularius
Leopard Geckos have been a staple of the reptile hobby for decades, and their popularity is well deserved. These small, ground-dwelling lizards from the arid regions of Afghanistan, Pakistan, and northwest India are among the easiest reptiles to care for. Unlike most gecko species, they possess movable eyelids and lack adhesive toe pads, giving them a unique look and ground-based lifestyle. Leopard Geckos are available in a remarkable range of morphs including tangerine, blizzard, Mack snow, and eclipse. They are vocal little animals — many owners are charmed the first time they hear their gecko chirp. With a gentle disposition, modest space requirements, and a simple insectivore diet, they remain one of the best choices for a first reptile.
Habitat
Arid rocky grasslands and semi-desert scrub
Diet
Insects (crickets, mealworms, dubia roaches)
Lifespan
15–20 years
Difficulty
beginner
Recommended Products
Everything you need to create the perfect habitat for your Leopard Gecko.
Accessories
Zoo Med Repti Shelter 3-in-1 Cave (Medium)
Multi-purpose cave that serves as a dry hide, moist shedding chamber, and basking ledge. A versatile piece of decor that earns its place in any Leopard Gecko setup.
Zoo Med Repti Rock Water Dish (Small)
Low-profile, naturalistic water bowl that blends into a desert setup. Heavy enough to prevent tipping by an active gecko.
Govee Bluetooth Hygrometer Thermometer (2-Pack)
Wireless digital monitors that log temperature and humidity to your phone. Accurate and essential for tracking Leopard Gecko enclosure conditions over time.
Exo Terra Moist Hide Cave
Dedicated humid hide with a removable lid for easy sphagnum moss changes. Critical for healthy shedding cycles.
Enclosures
Exo Terra Glass Terrarium 24x18x12"
Low-profile front-opening terrarium perfectly sized for a single Leopard Gecko. The 12-inch height suits their ground-dwelling lifestyle.
REPTI ZOO 20-Gallon Glass Reptile Terrarium
Front-opening glass terrarium with a low profile suited to ground-dwelling species. Good ventilation through the screen top and built-in closable inlets for wiring.
Zen Habitats 36x18x16" Reptile Enclosure
PVC enclosure with front-sliding doors that offers a step up from standard glass tanks. Holds heat more consistently and gives a single Leopard Gecko generous floor space.
Exo Terra Outback 20-Gallon Terrarium Kit
Complete desert terrarium kit including background, substrate sample, and a thermometer. A convenient all-in-one starting point for a Leopard Gecko setup.
Food
Repashy Calcium Plus LoD (6 oz)
All-in-one calcium and multivitamin supplement powder. Dust feeders lightly before every meal for balanced nutrition.
Dubia Roaches — Medium (100 Count)
Nutritious, easy-to-gut-load feeder insects. Dubia roaches have a better protein-to-fat ratio than mealworms and are a staple for Leopard Gecko keepers.
Josh's Frogs Mealworms (250 Count)
Live mealworms that are easy to keep and gut-load. A convenient staple feeder for Leopard Geckos, best offered in a smooth-sided dish to prevent escape.
Fluker's Freeze-Dried Crickets (1.2 oz)
Convenient shelf-stable crickets for supplemental feeding. While live feeders are preferred, freeze-dried crickets work well for occasional variety.
Heating
Inkbird ITC-308 Digital Temperature Controller
Plug-and-play thermostat that regulates the under-tank heater to a precise setpoint. An absolute necessity for any heat mat setup.
Arcadia Deep Heat Projector 50W
Produces deep infrared heat that warms your gecko from the inside out, mimicking the way the sun heats in nature. A superior alternative to heat mats for overhead heating.
Philips 50W PAR20 Halogen Flood Bulb
Compact halogen bulb that creates a focused basking spot. Modern Leopard Gecko care increasingly favors overhead heat sources that encourage natural basking behavior.
Aiicioo Under Tank Heater — Medium
Adhesive heating pad that creates a warm belly-heat zone. Leopard Geckos absorb heat through their underside, making UTHs the preferred primary heat source. Must be used with a thermostat.
Lighting
Arcadia ShadeDweller ProT5 UVB Kit 7%
Low-output UVB lighting designed for crepuscular species like Leopard Geckos. Supports vitamin D3 synthesis and promotes natural behavior without being overpowering.
Zoo Med ReptiSun 5.0 Mini Compact Fluorescent UVB
Low-profile compact UVB bulb suitable for smaller enclosures. Provides gentle UVB for Leopard Geckos without overwhelming this crepuscular species.
Arcadia Jungle Dawn LED Bar 13W
Full-spectrum LED light that enhances enclosure visibility and supports a natural photoperiod. Helps establish a consistent day-night cycle for your gecko.
Zoo Med Naturalistic Terrarium Hood 12"
Single-bulb reflective fixture designed for compact fluorescent or LED bulbs. Fits neatly on top of 20-gallon terrariums for a clean lighting solution.
Substrate
Slate Tile 12x12" (6-Pack)
Natural slate tiles that provide a smooth, easy-to-clean surface. Can be used over a heat mat to conduct warmth and naturally file down toenails through regular walking.
Zoo Med ReptiSoil (10 Qt)
Natural soil blend that holds burrow shapes well. Mix with play sand to create a firm, naturalistic substrate Leopard Geckos can dig and tunnel through.
Jurassic Natural Australian Desert Sand (10 lb)
Fine-grain natural sand that can be mixed with topsoil for a safe, diggable substrate. Avoid using pure sand alone — a 70/30 soil-to-sand blend is ideal.
Zoo Med Excavator Clay Substrate (10 lb)
Moldable clay substrate that can be sculpted into tunnels, ledges, and burrows before it sets. Creates a naturalistic arid environment that Leopard Geckos enjoy.