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Description
Leopard Gecko (Melanistic Cross)
Scientific Name: Eublepharis macularius
Common Name: Leopard Gecko (Melanistic Cross)
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 Melanistic Cross refers to a selectively bred line or combination project aiming to increase dark pigmentation across the body. While true, fully melanistic Leopard Geckos do not currently exist as a confirmed genetic mutation, selective pairing of darker lines (such as Black Night, Black Pearl, or other deep-contrast projects) can produce individuals with intensified dark patterning, shadowed undersides, and reduced yellow tones. These geckos often display deep charcoal, rich brown, or heavily contrasted markings and may show darker heads and tails compared to standard Leopard Geckos. As a polygenic project, appearance varies widely, with some individuals developing notably dark phenotypes.
Distribution: Leopard Geckos originate from Pakistan, Afghanistan, northwestern India, and Iran.
Habitat: In the wild, they inhabit rocky deserts and scrublands, using burrows and crevices for daytime shelter. In captivity, they thrive in warm, semi-arid environments with secure hiding places and stable temperatures.
Behaviour: Leopard Geckos are nocturnal, calm, and well suited to routine care. They naturally display nighttime activity, burrowing, and insect 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 natural digging behaviour.
Temperature & Humidity: Maintain a warm end of 88–92°F (31–33°C) and a cool end of 75–80°F (24–27°C). Nighttime temperatures may drop to 70–74°F (21–23°C). Keep ambient humidity around 30–40%, with a humid hide at 60–70% for shedding. Regulate heat sources with a thermostat.
Lighting: Low-level UVB (2–5%) supports metabolic and skeletal health. Provide a consistent 12-hour day/night cycle.
Diet: Offer gut-loaded roaches, crickets, mealworms, and silkworms. Feed adults every other day and juveniles daily. Dust all prey with calcium and multivitamins. Fresh water should always be available.
Behaviour in Captivity: Leopard Geckos adapt well to routine care and stable conditions. Lifespans of 15–20 years or more are common with proper husbandry.
Special Considerations: As a polygenic darkening project, results vary significantly. Some individuals may display much heavier melanism than others. No special care requirements differ from standard Leopard Gecko husbandry.
Taxonomy Note
The Leopard Gecko (Eublepharis macularius) belongs to the family Eublepharidae. While several darker line-bred projects exist, no true single-gene melanistic mutation has been confirmed. Melanistic Cross refers to selectively combining darker lines to intensify overall pigmentation.
Genetics Note
Melanistic Cross (polygenic / line-bred)
A selective breeding project combining darker Leopard Gecko lines to intensify pigmentation. This is not a true melanistic gene but a phenotype produced through multi-generational selection.
This trait influences appearance only and does not alter standard care requirements.