What Do Leopard Geckos Eat in the Wild?
Leopard Geckos are a popular, friendly and easy to care for reptile. But what do they eat in the wild? In this article we will find out what makes up a Leopard Gecko’s diet.
Insects
Leopard Geckos are insectivores, which means they primarily eat insects. The most common food items in their diet are:
- Crickets
- Mealworms
- Beetles
- Grasshoppers
- Moths
- Spiders
- Centipedes
In the wild, Leopard Geckos usually hunt at night and will find the insects they eat in the dark. They have specialized tongues that detect the scent of their prey.
Vertebrates
Leopard geckos can also feed on small vertebrates such as:
- Frogs
- Small Rodents
- Lizards
These larger items of prey should only be given once in a while as a supplement, as their diet should be primarily composed of insects.
Additional Foods
Leopards Geckos can also feed on small amounts of fruits and vegetables, especially when they are growing or just after hatching.
In addition to their normal diet of insects, these additional foods provide them with extra vitamins, minerals and fibre which are beneficial to their health.
Feeding Frequency in the Wild
In the wild, Leopard Geckos typically feed 3-7 times a week. However, when kept as pets, it is recommended that they are fed every other day as this ensures that they are getting a balanced diet.
Conclusion
Leopard Geckos are insect eating reptiles and their diet in the wild mainly consists of insects such as crickets, mealworms, beetles and grasshoppers. As supplement, they can feed on small vertebrates and small amounts of fruits and vegetables. It is recommended that Leopard Geckos kept as pets are fed every other day for a balanced diet.
