- Sarah at ZooLab
Why Do Leopard Geckos Have Spots? ...And Other Questions
Updated: Mar 4
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.
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?
Rocky, dry grasslands and desert regions.
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.
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 read our care blog and 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!
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 spots and bumpy skin helps the leopard gecko to camouflage, making it harder to spot by predators.