![]() ![]() Teeth Leopard geckos are polyphyodonts and able to replace each of their 100 teeth every 3 to 4 months. Unlike many other geckos, but like other Eublepharids, their toes do not have adhesive lamellae, so they cannot climb smooth vertical walls. Adult females are about 18 to in length and weigh about 50 to 70 grams, while adult male geckos are about 20 to in length and weigh about 60 to 80 grams. Hatchlings are on average 7 to in length and weigh about 2 to 5 grams. Leopard geckos are small lizards that derive their name from their spotted coloration. Acknowledging the latter as a myth propagated by pet keepers, Philippe de Vosjoli-a prominent leopard gecko breeder and author of dozens of books on reptile husbandry-has asserted that "The claims of some internet 'experts' that leopard geckos in the wild live singly. Pet keeping guides often claim these geckos are solitary and do not usually live with other animals. Academic sources have asserted that leopard geckos live in loose colonies in the wild. ![]() There is also debate as to the degree that leopard geckos interact with conspecifics in the wild. John Courtney Smith, the brand manager for UVB light manufacturing company Arcadia Reptile, asserts in Bio-activity and the Theory of Wild Re-Creation: "The leopard gecko is quite crepuscular in its home range … there are many reports of them being seen even in full daytime desert sunlight openly basking". This assertion has been used to explain the ability of leopard geckos to use UVB exposure to synthesize vitamin D3 in captivity, and as a rationale for providing captive leopard geckos with access to UVB lighting. In contrast, some sources focused on husbandry of captive leopard geckos have asserted leopard geckos are crepuscular or even cathemeral reptiles. This could be attributable to the secretive nocturnal nature of the species". Similarly, Nepalese biologist Yam Rawat writes "Leopard Geckos remained undetected in Nepal until. Naturalist David Attenborough asserts in the wildlife documentary series Life in Cold Blood: "a leopard gecko-like most geckos-is nocturnal, and it manages to get all the heat it needs from rocks, which retain something of their warmth for several hours after the sun has set". During the day they retreat to burrows and sheltered hiding spots, becoming active at dusk when the temperature is favorable. Wild leopard geckos are generally considered to be nocturnal by field biology sources, academic herpetology sources, and some animal husbandry guides.
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