| The leopard gecko isn't just any lizard. These are | | | | defending its territory from other animals. |
| incredible animals which are good pets and have | | | | The tail of the leopard gecko is used to store fat |
| some unique qualities which make them different | | | | and can be detached if they need to escape from a |
| than other reptiles. To learn a little more about what | | | | predator. Their lost tail will be replaced by a new one. |
| makes these geckos so special, have a look at these | | | | Geckos bark when they are excited. |
| fun leopard gecko facts. | | | | In the wild, a leopard gecko's diet consists of spiders, |
| A leopard gecko can grow to be as long as 25.4 cm. | | | | scorpions and other insects and even smaller lizards! |
| Unlike other kinds of gecko, leopard geckos have | | | | Leopard geckos are immune to the poison in a |
| eyelids. They close their eyes while sleeping and can | | | | scorpion's stinger, making them able to hunt these |
| even blink! | | | | dangerous insects. |
| Leopard geckos are named for their coloring. They | | | | Just like most other kinds of gecko, leopard geckos |
| usually have yellow or orange skin with black spots, | | | | are nocturnal and will sleep through the day if they |
| giving them a leopard-like appearance. | | | | can. They are active at night, usually getting up |
| Leopard geckos have a gentle nature which makes | | | | around dusk. |
| them much better pets than most reptiles. They | | | | If you have a pet gecko, you should feed it only |
| very rarely bite, even if they are provoked and are | | | | insects. Make sure that the pet shops in your area |
| safe to handle and play with. | | | | carry the insects that your pet needs to stay |
| A leopard gecko is a very long lived animal - they can | | | | healthy; if you can't find the food that your gecko |
| live as long as 30 years (though closer to 20 is more | | | | needs, it's probably not a good idea to keep one as a |
| common). | | | | pet. |
| Leopard geckos have claws instead of toe pads, so | | | | Geckos love to eat wax worms. These worms have |
| they can't climb vertical surfaces like many other | | | | a fat content which is much too high to make them |
| types of gecko can. | | | | a regular part of their diet, but it's OK to give your |
| A leopard gecko will shake its tail while hunting or | | | | pet a weekly treat; and this is their favorite. |