What Is the Difference Between a Female & a Male Leopard Gecko?

Sexing leopard geckos comes down to two strategies. Visual clues in size, color and close examination of the sexual organs of sexually mature specimens hold potential answers. If they fail, mating rituals hold the key.

  1. Leopard Geckos

    • Tuned to the rhythms of their native desert habitats in the Middle East, leopard geckos are nocturnal. As with other reptiles, the sex of a newly hatched leopard gecko is determined by surrounding temperatures during incubation.

    Sexual Organs

    • A sexually mature male leopard gecko possesses two bumps, known as hemipenises, on its underside at the base of the tail. The male also has a v-shaped series of femoral pores in front of the vent area on the underside of the belly.

    Size

    • The adult male leopard gecko is typically larger than the adult female.

    Color Patterns

    • While there is no sexual dimorphism in color patterns in adult leopard geckos, males may be more vibrant. Young leopard geckos sport bands the length of their bodies that fade as they mature.

    Breeding Behavior

    • If visual examination fails to determine the sex of a leopard gecko, mating behavior roles may offer clues. A male leopard gecko, assured of interest from a female, bites her on the back of the neck and then lines up their vents for mating.