Class: Reptilia

Order: Squamata Sauria

Scientific Name: Eublepharis macularius

Range: Middle East and Asia from Iran to Pakistan and India.

Habitat: Rocky outcrops in desert and montaine regions.

Diet: Wild: Insects including hardbodied beetles and other invertebrates. Zoo: Crickets, mealworms.

Gestation: Incubation: 55-60 days.

Litter: 2 eggs, up to 12

Description: A medium sized gecko ranging in size from 8-10 inches, half of which is tail. The tail is used for fat storage. Underside is whitish; top side has a yellowish background color with multiple small dark spots or blotches on the neck, back and legs. The tail markings appear banded. The back has small, evenly spaced tubercles which give it a wart-like or knobby appearance. This lizard is one of the few geckos which have functional eyelids, but still it uses its tongue to clean and lubricate the eyes. They are different from most other geckos in that they do not possess adhesive toe-pads (lamellae) and are therefore unable to climb smooth surfaces. Instead they have claws which enable them to climb rocks and logs.A crepuscular species most active at dusk. Males are very territorial and will fight if kept together. The sex in this species is determined by the incubation temperature of the eggs. 81-84 degrees F produces mostly females while 90-92 produces mostly males.

Where in the Zoo? I can be found in the Conservation Education Programs at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.