Leopard Gecko
Hardy, handleable, and full of personality.
Difficulty
Beginner
Adult size
6–10 in
Lifespan
10–20 yrs
Diet
Live insects
Habitat
- A 24×16×12 in vivarium is the minimum for one adult, and bigger is better.
- Warm end 82–86°F (28–30°C), cool end 75–79°F (24–26°C), always on a thermostat.
- Humidity 30–40% with a humid hide for shedding, and no loose sand for juveniles.
Lighting
- A 2–5% UVB tube over the warm end, giving a UV index around 0.7 at the basking spot and shade to retreat into.
- 12 hours on, 12 hours off, and replace the tube on the manufacturer's schedule.
Feeding
- Gut-loaded, calcium-dusted insects — crickets, dubia, locusts, no bigger than the width of the gecko's head.
- Juveniles daily; adults every other day, plus a shallow water dish. Waxworms sparingly; they are very high in fat.
Handling
- Stay low to a surface and support the body.
- Never grab or lift by the tail.