Leopard Gecko (Super Giant)

Leopard Gecko (Super Giant)

Scientific Name: Eublepharis macularius
Common Name: Leopard Gecko

Species Overview

Size: Adult Leopard Geckos typically reach about 8–10 inches (20–25 cm). They are medium-sized, sturdy reptiles well adapted to arid and semi-arid environments.

Appearance: The Super Giant morph is purely size-based. These geckos can have any appearance, but are just larger than a standard leopard gecko. At 12 months of age and with a balanced feeding regime, males will weigh 110g or more, while females will weigh 90g or more. Their proportions are balanced and are not overweight. Total lengths are also larger, with an average of 9-11 inches.

Distribution: Leopard Geckos originate from Pakistan, Afghanistan, northwestern India, and Iran.

Habitat: Wild Leopard Geckos inhabit rocky deserts and scrublands where they shelter in burrows during the heat of the day. In captivity, they thrive in warm, semi-arid enclosures with secure hiding spaces.

Behaviour: Leopard Geckos are nocturnal and calm-natured. They tolerate gentle handling and display natural behaviours such as burrowing, nighttime exploring, and hunting insects.

Captive Care

Enclosure: A terrestrial enclosure measuring at least 24 inches × 18 inches × 12 inches (60 × 45 × 30 cm) is ideal. Provide a warm hide, cool hide, and humid hide. A sandy soil or clay-based naturalistic substrate supports digging behaviors.

Temperature & Humidity: Maintain a warm side of 88–92°F (31–33°C) and a cool side between 75–80°F (24–27°C). Nighttime temperatures may drop to 70–74°F (21–23°C). Humidity should remain around 30–40%, with a humid hide elevated to 60–70% to assist with shedding. Use a thermostat to regulate heating.

Lighting: Albino-line geckos can be light-sensitive. Provide low-level UVB (2–5%) and ensure shaded areas inside the enclosure. Maintain a regular 12-hour day/night cycle.

Diet: Feed gut-loaded insects such as roaches, crickets, mealworms, and silkworms. Adults typically eat every other day, while juveniles require daily feeding. Dust prey with calcium and multivitamin supplements. Provide fresh water at all times.

Behaviour in Captivity: Leopard Geckos are hardy and often live 15–20 years or longer with appropriate care. They adapt well to routine feeding and consistent environmental conditions.

Special Considerations: Due to their larger size, Super Giants will be better served with a larger enclosure than average.

Taxonomy Note

The Leopard Gecko (Eublepharis macularius) is a member of the family Eublepharidae and is one of the most widely kept reptiles globally. It is notable for its movable eyelids, clawed toes, and extensive diversity of colour and pattern forms produced through captive breeding.

Genetics Note

The Super Giant morph is a homozygous morph of the Giant morph. It is considered to be an incomplete dominant or co-dominant/recessive trait line, where breeding two Super Giants will yield 100% Super Giant offspring.