Hello, everyone. Sophie here with this month's cold-blooded creature, the leopard gecko. Leopard geckos are one of the most popular pet reptiles in the world, and it’s easy to see why. These small lizards are colorful, interesting to watch, and easy to care for. They are native to dry regions of Southwest Asian countries like Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan.
These geckos get their name from the dark spots that cover their bodies, which look similar to the markings on a leopard. Young leopard geckos usually have stripes, but as they grow older, these stripes turn into spots. They come in many colors, including yellow, orange, white, and even lavender, depending on their genetics and habitat. Most leopard geckos grow to be about 8 to 10 inches long, making them a great size for a small pet.
Leopard geckos have some special features that make them different from many other lizards. Unlike most geckos, they have eyelids, so they can blink. All other geckos wipe their eyes with their tongues. They also do not have sticky toe pads, which means they cannot climb smooth walls or glass. This makes them easier to keep in a glass tank. Another unique feature is their tail. Leopard geckos store fat in their tails, which helps them survive when food is hard to find. If a gecko feels threatened, it can drop its tail to escape a predator. The tail will grow back, but it may not look exactly the same as before.
In the wild, leopard geckos are nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night. During the day, they hide under rocks or in burrows to stay cool and safe. At night, they come out to hunt insects. Their diet mainly includes crickets, mealworms, and other small bugs. Pet leopard geckos eat similar foods, and their insects are often dusted with vitamins and calcium to keep them healthy.
Leopard geckos are known for their calm and gentle behavior. They rarely bite, and if they do, it usually doesn’t hurt much. Each gecko has its own personality—some are curious and active, while others are more relaxed and quieter.
The one in the photo is our pet named Leo. He's almost 5 years old now. They need a properly set up tank with a warm side and a cool side so they can control their body temperature. They also need hiding places, clean water, and a safe floor covering. They don't make noise even their poop doesn't smell bad so leopard geckos are a great choice for a beginner reptile. But remember, leopard geckos can live a long time, often 15 to 20 years, and sometimes even longer, so owning one is a big commitment.
Some leopard geckos have been found in the wild in Florida, but these are probably all escaped pets. They don't have a good chance to become an invasive species here because our humid climate is so different from their native territory.
Since they don't climb and aren't that fast, they would be easy for birds or other Florida predators to pick off. They also only lay a few eggs each year in the spring so they don't breed quickly, which means you probably won't spot one in your backyard. If you do, take it to a wildlife rescue because someone might be looking for it.
Thanks again for reading and I'll see you next month with another cold-blooded creature.
Sophie Mckee
Oasis High School, Cape Coral
