Leopard Gecko (Not a snake)
Eublepharis macularius • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Lacertilia, Family: Eublepharidae, Subfamily: Eublepharinae, Genus: Eublepharis, Species: E. macularius
Naturally found in South Asia, specifically in Afghanistan, Pakistan, northwestern India, and parts of Iran. The specimen in the image is in a captive environment.
Look up Leopard Gecko (Not a snake) in the Snake Encyclopedia →Venomous Status
Non-venomous; this is a lizard, not a snake. It lacks fangs and venom glands.
Danger Level
Harmless; they are docile and popular pets. A bite is rare and usually only causes minor mechanical injury.
Family
Order: Squamata, Suborder: Lacertilia, Family: Eublepharidae, Subfamily: Eublepharinae, Genus: Eublepharis, Species: E. macularius
Conservation
Least Concern (IUCN). They are globally abundant in the pet trade, though wild populations face localized habitat loss.
Physical Description
The specimen is a 'Super Snow' or similar morph. It has a robust body, bumpy tuberculated skin, and a thick tail. Unlike snakes, it has four legs, visible ear openings, and moveable eyelids. The head is distinct and triangular with vertical pupils.
Size & Dimensions
Typically 7 to 10 inches (18–25 cm) in total length. This specimen appears to be an adult.
Habitat
Arid and semi-arid regions, rocky deserts, and dry grasslands. They are terrestrial and crepuscular, often hiding under rocks or in burrows during the heat of the day.
Behavior & Temperament
Crepuscular and terrestrial. They are generally slow-moving, docile, and known for ‘smiling.’ They exhibit tail-waving when threatened or during hunting.
Diet & Feeding
Insectivorous. They hunt crickets, mealworms, and roaches using an active foraging strategy based on sight and scent.
Reproduction
Oviparous. Females lay clutches of two eggs multiple times during the breeding season. Sex is determined by incubation temperature.
Venom Profile
Non-venomous - no medically significant venom.
Look-alikes
Often confused with other ground geckos or Fat-tailed Geckos. Distinguished from snakes by the presence of legs, eyelids, and external ears.
Conservation Status
Least Concern (IUCN). They are globally abundant in the pet trade, though wild populations face localized habitat loss.
Cultural Significance
One of the most popular reptiles in the worldwide pet trade. Ecologically, they act as important insect predators in their native range.
Notable Features
Features a fat-storing tail used as energy reserves. Unlike most geckos, they lack adhesive toe pads and cannot climb smooth vertical surfaces.