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Why Do Leopard Geckos Have Spots? ...And Other Questions

  • Sarah at ZooLab
  • Jun 16, 2021
  • 1 min read

Updated: Jul 23


Leopard gecko on yellow background with speech bubble. Text: "Why Do Leopard Geckos Have Spots?" and "...AND OTHER QUESTIONS."

In this series, we will be answering some of the most common questions asked about our animal team. This month, we are starting with our spotty friend - the leopard gecko.


Map of Europe, Africa, and Asia with a focus on South Asian countries in teal. The rest are in dark teal over a yellow background.


Where are leopard geckos from?


South Asia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, North West India and parts of Iran



What is a leopard gecko's habitat in the wild?


Where do leopard geckos live? In the wild, leopard geckos can be found in rocky, dry grasslands and desert areas.



Word of the Day image with "Crepuscular" in bold on an orange background, creating an informative and vibrant mood.


Are leopard geckos nocturnal?


Leopard geckos are actually crepuscular - this means that they are most active at twilight. Why? Temperatures are cooler and there is less competition for prey (or from being preyed upon themselves.



Leopard gecko with spotted skin licks its eye. Close-up with blurred green foliage in the background, creating a playful mood.


Are leopard geckos good pets?


We think so! Leopard geckos are quite docile creatures in captivity and even enjoy human contact.


Before getting any pet, please do your research! Please follow the RSPCA’s advice.



What is the leopard gecko lifespan in captivity?


10 - 20 years.



Are leopard geckos social?


No, leopard geckos are fairly solitary creatures and we would recommend housing them alone. In the wild, leopard geckos are territorial and don’t live in groups.



Do leopard geckos have teeth?


Yes, lots. Around 100, in fact!


A brown-speckled gecko lies on a gravelly surface with small green plants scattered. The setting is outdoors, conveying a natural and calm mood.


Why do leopard geckos have spots?

Not all leopard geckos have spots - each morph is different. Reptile Advisor has a great post about different variations. However, the yellow body with black spots is the norm and most common in the wild.

The bumpy skin and spots on a leopard gecko helps them to camouflage, making it harder to spot by predators.





 
 
 

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