Ideal Leopard Gecko Diets, Based on Zoo & Field Research

[findiviglio]

Hi, Frank Indiviglio here. I’m a herpetologist, zoologist, and book author, recently retired from a career spent at several zoos, aquariums, and museums, including over 20 years with the Bronx Zoo.
What DO Leopard Geckos Eat?! The Leopard Gecko, Eublepharis macularius, makes a wonderful pet for novices and advanced hobbyists alike (even after many years as a professional zookeeper, I enjoy keeping them, and wrote a book about their care). However, both sellers and buyers sometimes underestimate this delightful lizard’s needs, especially where feeding is concerned. Contrary to popular belief, vitamin-powdered crickets and mealworms do not constitute a suitable diet! If you wish your pet to live out its potential lifespan of 20-30 years in excellent health, you’ll need to provide it with as many different foods as possible. Fortunately, a surprising array of insects can be purchased online and in stores. Collecting and rearing your own insects is another excellent way to add to your gecko’s quality of life…and its great fun as well! Read the rest of this article here What Do Leopard Geckos Eat? - Zoo Researched Diet | That Reptile Blog
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My Bio, with photos of animals I’ve been lucky enough to work with: That Pet Place welcomes Zoologist/Herpetologist Frank Indiviglio to That Reptile Blog | That Reptile Blog

Best Regards, Frank

[nicodimus22]

Good info, but I'd add that you want to use extreme caution if you decide to catch wild insects to feed them due to the prevalence of pesticides in many people's yards and also in nearby agricultural areas (even if your yard is safe.) I wouldn't want my geckos getting even trace amounts of something toxic from a sprayed and dying bug that found its way into my light trap. Better to raise your own or get them from a known source, IMO.

Do you find that they eat dried insects? I supplement the regular bugs with them every now and then for variety's sake. My female will munch them right down, but my male has never touched them. I guess he has high standards.

[findiviglio]

Good info, but I'd add that you want to use extreme caution if you decide to catch wild insects to feed them due to the prevalence of pesticides in many people's yards and also in nearby agricultural areas (even if your yard is safe.) I wouldn't want my geckos getting even trace amounts of something toxic from a sprayed and dying bug that found its way into my light trap. Better to raise your own or get them from a known source, IMO.

Do you find that they eat dried insects? I supplement the regular bugs with them every now and then for variety's sake. My female will munch them right down, but my male has never touched them. I guess he has high standards.

Hi, Thanks for your interest. Yes, care needed; all dead animals at Bx Zoo are autopsied, vets very interested in pesticide and related..we've never seen evidence of problems from insects trapped locally, but near farms, golf courses, after areas are sprayed for West Nile etc. caution is required...some further comments on this in article linked under Further Reading.

I've seen the same with dry and canned insects; some will take canned silkworms, grasshoppers, even snails..but many refuse.

Best, Frank

[Silkmoth]

I catch moths at certain businesses around Ellsworth. The nearest blueberry fields are 5-10 miles away. People dont spray thier yards much around here. I havent had any mantis deaths that seem ill timed. I think therefore the local moths are safe. Id like to get a leopard gecko soon but want to study up the food needs. Do they require a sand floor? It's prettier than paper towels.

[findiviglio]

I catch moths at certain businesses around Ellsworth. The nearest blueberry fields are 5-10 miles away. People dont spray thier yards much around here. I havent had any mantis deaths that seem ill timed. I think therefore the local moths are safe. Id like to get a leopard gecko soon but want to study up the food needs. Do they require a sand floor? It's prettier than paper towels.

Hi Thanks...I do the same..I've always used w/c insects for several species on mantids...collected in NYC, suburbs, rural areas and have never seen any evidence of a problem.

Impaction can be a problem with sand, although many do fine with it...a few considerations and ideas can be found in this article. Washable cage liners are safe, and with plants, rocks etc look quite nice.

Best, Frank

[Silkmoth]

Can you show pics of both male and female undersides? Im having trouble finding pics to show the two sexes.

[findiviglio]

Can you show pics of both male and female undersides? Im having trouble finding pics to show the two sexes.

Hi,

Here you go: Gecko Sexual Dimorphism Please let me know if this helps.

Best, Frank

[Silkmoth]

Perfect! Thank you!

[findiviglio]

Perfect! Thank you!

My pleasure..let me know if you need anything; here's an article on breeding, best, Frank