Gecko Lizard Information
Geckos are lizards which originate from many warm climates around the world and the name gecko was formed from the Indonesian word 'gēkoq' (gekok). This name is based upon the unique chirping noises they make as they interact with other geckos.
Geckos tend to be small to average sized lizards and there are many different species - some of which can be handled and make great pets.
The most popular gecko species for both beginner and experienced reptile keepers is the leopard gecko - although there are many other species which are kept as pets; such as the crested gecko and the day gecko.
Taxonomy
Gecko lizards belong to an infraorder called Gekkota which divides into seven different families - within these families there over one thousand species of gecko.
Each family have a different traits from claws for digging or 'sticky' feet (lamellae) for climbing; each trait helps them thrive in their own environment.
Eublepharidae Family
The Eublepharidae family are one of the seven families within the the Gekkota infraorder. Eublepharid's originate from hot, semi-arid climates such as Asia, Central America and Africa.
Each family has several genera, this is a class of common characteristics which can be divided further and will contain multiple species. There are seven genera within the Eublepharidae family below, some of which are listed below.
Eublepharis Genera - Leopard Gecko species
The Leopard gecko is a nocturnal lizard and throughout the day they make their dwelling underground so to hide from predators throughout the day. These lizards love the heat and rocky terrain and as such they tend to live under large rocks, in crevaces or in caves. The leopard gecko emerges at night so to hunt for insects such as crickets, locusts and spiders.
Generally leopard geckos that are well cared for live around 20 years, although occasionally they have been known to live a beyond this. This must be considered when purchasing a leopard gecko, although some people may see this as a burden but it can only be a good thing. Whether you are just starting out or have many other reptiles you can buy a leopard gecko and which your family can grow up with for many years. Not only this but leopard geckos are easy to care for, and most do not mind being handled once trust has been gained.
Commoin Trait: The trait of the Eublepharis family is that all of the geckos have fully functional eyelids which make them unlike other geckos who (more commonly) do not have eyelids and tend to use their long tongues to moisten their eyes.
Sub-species: Within this genera there are several species of Leopard gecko for example the Eublepharis macularius (the common leopard gecko) and Eublepharis macularius afghanicus (the Afghan leopard gecko).
Eublepharis macularius
Eublepharis macularius is a common leopard gecko.
This species tend to originate from Asia, Pakistan and parts of India. They use their sharp claws for digging and tend to live under large rocks and in crevaces only coming out to hunt at night.
These geckos are ground dwellers so they won't be doing much climbing, this is something you will need to consider when buying/setting up there vivarium.