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Eublepharis macularius

Zaya, Suzy, and Smokey Sparkles

E macularius, better known as "leopard geckos", are found in dry, rocky deserts and grasslands of the Middle East into parts of Asia. These geckos are quite popular in the pet trade due to their docile nature, hardiness, and beautiful coloration. After decades of breeding, many "morphs" or color patterns are seen in this species. Always use caution when selecting a leopard gecko morph, as some patterns and colorations are co-morbid with particular needs or disorders.

 

Zaya, Suzy, and Smokey Sparkles are sweet geckos with a high tolerance for people and handling. The trio was brought together by a family who was unable to keep them after moving to Iowa.

Zaya is our calmest and most curious/out-going reptile. She was found in a bush in California. Zaya was named by my (then 4-year old) daughter. We have no idea where this name originated. 

 

Smokey Sparkles is on the shy side, though still quite tolerant of being handled. Her name was a compromise between myself and my daughter - "Sparkles" for obvious kid reasons, and "Smokey" for the grey tone she sometimes shows.

 

Suzy is our male, named by my daughter after her grandmother. She was purchased from a breeder as our daughter's first official reptile. Suzy can be a bit crankier, pushier, and wigglier, but still has the same general leopard gecko tameness. Suzy is treated with extra care during handling, as he has a wobbly gate and frequently tips over. We believe this is due to a genetic neurologic disorder common with some color patterns. Fortunately, he is still an ace insect hunter!

Interested in keeping a leopard gecko? Below are general parameters for making your gecko comfortable. For more information, Extant Relatives recommends Reptifile's detailed care sheets.

Lifespan: 20 years

Cage Size: Minimum 36" x 18" x 18" (Wider rather than tall)

Day/Night Hours: 12/12 OR 14/10 (Summer) to 10/14 (Winter)

Active times: Most active at night

Day temps: 70-75 F

Hot Spot: 95 F

Night temps: 70 F

Daytime humidity: 30-40%

Nighttime humidity: 50%

UVB: Low

Substrate: Arid substrate: Lugarti Natural Reptile Bedding, BioDude Arid Mix, OR mix of 40% topsoil or coco fiber, 40% fine sand, 20% Excavator Clay.

Diet: Variety of vitamin- and mineral- dusted insects.

Decor: Terrestrial - rock hides, climbing rocks (securely placed), cork tubes/pieces, dry leaves, arid-tolerant plants or artificial plants.

Our setup: ExRe houses leopard geckos individually in 20 gal/gecko minimum, horizontally-oriented enclosures. These terrestrial reptiles spend most of their time lurking in hides like cork bark tubes and rock hides, though they will come out to bask or see what is happening in the room. We are currently testing succulents in our arid enclosures to find out whether they enjoy hiding among plants. To provide a natural habitat and maintain an appropriate humidity level, we use an arid substrate mix of 40% cocofiber, 40% very find sand, and 20% Excavator clay. Enclosures are misted lightly once or twice per week with a large water dish available for soaking. Isopod clean-up crews mostly live under these dishes. Temperatures range from 90F at one side of the cage to  of the enclosure to 70F on the other. They use the full range of their enclosures to regulate their temperature and hydration, though they seem to prefer sitting at 80-85F. A single puck light provides enough light for their plants and their day/night cycle. We do not use UVB with our leopard geckos, though they are closely monitored and receive Vitamin D supplementation. ExRe's leos dine on a staple diet of 6-8 large crickets fed 2 times per week. Once per week, we rotationally substitute in silkworms, dubia roaches, hornworms, mealworms, and (very occasionally) waxworms for enrichment. 

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Suzy.
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Zaya. 
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Smokey Sparkles.
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Extant Relatives

Iowa City, Iowa

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