Leopard Gecko – Iranian – Eublepharis angramainyu – Female

The Iranian leopard gecko is a striking species of ground-dwelling gecko native to parts of the Middle East. It is closely related to the more familiar pet leopard gecko but is a distinct species.

Overview

• Scientific name: Eublepharis angramainyu
• Common name: Iranian leopard gecko
• Family: Eublepharidae
• Average length: 20–30 cm (8–12 inches), making it one of the largest leopard gecko species.
• Lifespan: Estimated 15–20 years or more in captivity with proper care.

Native Range

This species is found in:

• Western and southwestern Iran
• Eastern Iraq
• Adjacent parts of Turkey and Syria

It inhabits rocky hillsides, dry scrublands, and semi-arid regions, often sheltering in crevices and burrows.

Appearance

• Larger and more robust than the common pet leopard gecko.
• Thick tail used for fat storage.
• Pale tan, gray, or cream base color with darker blotches or bands.
• Adults often have a more subdued pattern than juveniles.
• Like all members of its family, it has movable eyelids instead of the transparent eye coverings seen in most geckos.

Behavior

• Nocturnal and crepuscular (most active at dusk and night).
• Generally calm but can be more defensive than captive-bred common leopard geckos.
• Solitary in the wild.
• Uses its excellent sense of smell and vision to locate prey.