Photo Disclaimer
Description
Leopard Gecko (Mack Snow Blizzard Eclipse)
Scientific Name: Eublepharis macularius
Common Name: Leopard Gecko (Mack Snow Blizzard Eclipse)
Species Overview
Size: Adult Leopard Geckos typically reach 8–10 inches (20–25 cm). They are medium-sized, durable lizards well adapted to warm, arid habitats.
Appearance: The Mack Snow Blizzard Eclipse is a striking multi-gene combination characterized by reduced pigmentation, crisp pattern removal, and eye modification. Blizzard produces a clean, patternless body, while Mack Snow softens warm tones and adds cool, pale greys or off-whites. When combined, the result is a smooth, uniform gecko ranging from icy lavender to light grey or soft white, depending on lineage expression. The Eclipse gene often creates solid black or near-solid eyes, giving the gecko a bold, high-contrast facial appearance. Overall, this combination is known for its clean, sleek look with minimal visible patterning.
Distribution: Leopard Geckos originate from Pakistan, Afghanistan, northwestern India, and Iran.
Habitat: In the wild, they inhabit rocky deserts and scrublands, sheltering in burrows or crevices during the day. In captivity, they thrive in warm, semi-arid environments with secure hiding spaces and stable temperatures.
Behaviour: Leopard Geckos are nocturnal, calm, and well suited to routine care. They display natural behaviours such as nighttime exploring, burrowing, and active hunting.
Captive Care
Enclosure: Provide at least a 24 inches × 18 inches × 12 inches (60 × 45 × 30 cm) terrestrial enclosure with warm, cool, and humid hides. A naturalistic substrate such as sandy soil or a clay-based blend supports digging behaviour.
Temperature & Humidity: Maintain a warm side of 88–92°F (31–33°C) and a cool side of 75–80°F (24–27°C). Allow nighttime temperatures to drop to 70–74°F (21–23°C). Keep ambient humidity at 30–40%, with a humid hide maintained at 60–70% for shedding. Use a thermostat to regulate heat.
Lighting: Low-level UVB (2–5%) promotes metabolic and skeletal health. A consistent 12-hour day/night cycle is recommended.
Diet: Offer gut-loaded insects such as roaches, crickets, silkworms, and mealworms. Feed adults every other day and juveniles daily. Dust prey with calcium and multivitamins. Provide fresh water at all times.
Behaviour in Captivity: Leopard Geckos are hardy, predictable reptiles that thrive with stable environments and routine care. Lifespans of 15–20 years or more are common.
Special Considerations: Blizzard and Eclipse combinations may display sensitivity to bright light due to dark or solid-coloured eyes, though this varies. Husbandry remains identical to standard Leopard Gecko care.
Taxonomy Note
The Leopard Gecko (Eublepharis macularius) belongs to the family Eublepharidae. The Blizzard gene is a unique recessive mutation producing patternless individuals, while Mack Snow and Eclipse further enhance contrast and modify eye appearance.
Genetics Note
Mack Snow (incomplete dominant)
Reduces yellow pigmentation in hatchlings, producing cooler, pale tones that remain soft in Blizzard combinations.
Blizzard (recessive)
Creates a completely patternless phenotype with a uniform body colour that may range from white to grey or lavender.
Eclipse (recessive)
Modifies eye pigmentation, commonly producing solid black or near-solid eyes; can also reduce tail and body pattern expression.
These traits influence appearance only and do not alter standard care requirements.