Reptoria

Leopard gecko (Eublepharis macularius)

Leopard gecko (Eublepharis macularius), typical appearance of the species

Geckos · Difficulty: Beginner

Key facts and care guidance for Leopard gecko (Eublepharis macularius) (origin: The Near East and South Asia). Adult size around 20–25 cm. Life expectancy 15–25 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.

Short answers

Leopard gecko: How big does the enclosure need to be?

From 100×50×50 cm.

Leopard gecko: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 25–30 °C with a gradient (cooler end around 24 °C), basking spot 33–35 °C (local warm spot, from below), at night 20–22 °C.

Leopard gecko: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Recommended (low).

Leopard gecko: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 15–25 years.

Leopard gecko: Is it suitable for beginners?

Yes – it is considered suitable for beginners (difficulty: Beginner).

Climate

Daytime temperature
25–30 °C with a gradient (cooler end around 24 °C)
Night temperature
20–22 °C
Basking spot
33–35 °C (local warm spot, from below)
Humidity
40–50 %
UVB
Recommended (low)

Enclosure

Minimum size
from 100×50×50 cm
Substrate
Sand-loam or tiles (no loose sand for juveniles)

Feeding

Food
Insects (house crickets, roaches)
Feeding interval
Adults 2–3× a week

Key facts

Adult size
20–25 cm
Life expectancy
15–25 years
Origin
The Near East and South Asia
Protection status
No CITES Appendix, no EU Annex - no papers are needed to buy or sell. Practically all animals in the trade are captive-bred.
Brumation
Recommended: around 2 months between November and February at 15–20 °C, shortening lighting and stopping feeding. Anyone unable to cool the enclosure keeps the animals warm year-round — but without a rest period breeding won't happen, and many keepers report a shorter lifespan.
Cohabitation
Keeping a single animal is the least stressful option; leopard geckos do not need company. A small group of females is possible, but females also bite each other now and then and can lose their tails, so only in a clearly larger enclosure with separate basking and hiding spots for each, feed separately if they differ in size, and keep a way to separate them ready. Males always alone: several males fight over territory and the basking spot until one is injured or sits permanently in a corner.

Notes

Crepuscular and ground-active. A damp wet box for shedding. Heat from below plus a local spot.

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Related species

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What you need to start

To keep Leopard gecko (Eublepharis macularius) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 100×50×50 cm), substrate (Sand-loam or tiles (no loose sand for juveniles)), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.

The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.

Last updated: 29 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: Gutachten 1997, terraristikshop.net, CITES-Recherche, eigene Schwesterarten, moellner-leopardgeckos.de

All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).