1. Preanal Pores
When trying to determine the sex of a leopard gecko, one of the first things to look for is the preanal pores. These are small openings located in front of the cloaca on the underside of the gecko’s tail.
In males, the preanal pores are arranged in a V-shaped row and are clearly apparent, while in females they are much harder to see. The V shape formation of preanal pores in males is a clear indication of the male sex and is one of the most reliable characteristics to identify the sex of the gecko.
2. Hemipenal bulges
These are two distinguishable bulges on both sides of the base of the tail, behind the cloaca. Only males have these bulges, which are visible when the gecko is relaxed, while females do not have them.
Hemipenal bulges are visible in males only, they are not visible in females. These bulges are not always noticeable and may require a close examination.
3. Femoral pores
Located on the inner thighs and underside of the hind legs, can also be used to determine the sex of a leopard gecko. In males, the femoral pores are bigger and more prominent, while in females they are very small and difficult to discern.
These pores are located on the inner thighs and underside of the hind legs. In males, they are bigger and more prominent, while in females they are small and difficult to discern.
4. Behaviors
Male leopard geckos tend to be larger and have a more robust build, while females tend to be smaller and have a more slender build. Male leopard geckos may display territorial behavior, such as head bobbing and puffing up their bodies, while females tend to be less aggressive and more docile. This behavioral difference is not always reliable and may vary depending on the individual gecko.
It is worth noting that these distinctions are not always clear-cut and can vary depending on the individual gecko, so it’s always best to consult with a veterinarian or a reputable breeder when trying to determine the sex of your leopard gecko.
Additionally, some morphs of leopard geckos may have different characteristics that make it harder to distinguish the sex.
5. Resilience against Diseases
In terms of resilience against diseases, it’s important to note that both male and female leopard geckos can be susceptible to health issues if they are not provided with proper care and a suitable environment. However, there are some differences between the sexes that may affect their overall resilience.
One major difference is that male leopard geckos are less prone to stress-related issues. They are less likely to be affected by changes in the environment, such as temperature fluctuations or lack of hiding spots, which can lead to health problems.
In contrast, female leopard geckos are more sensitive to environmental changes and are more prone to stress-related issues.
Additionally, male leopard geckos are less likely to develop egg-binding issues, which is a common condition in female leopard geckos where eggs become stuck in the oviducts. This can lead to serious health complications if not treated promptly.
In summary, while both male and female leopard geckos can be susceptible to health issues if not provided with proper care, male leopard geckos tend to be more resilient to diseases and are less likely to develop egg-binding issues or stress-related problems. They also have a more predictable eating pattern and a more docile behavior.
On the other hand, female leopard geckos are more prone to stress-related issues and are more sensitive to environmental changes, which can lead to health problems. They also tend to lose their appetite during ovulation, which may lead to drastic weight loss.
6. Temperament
Temperament in leopard geckos isn’t determined by sex. There are an equal number of aggressive males as those of females. Breeders believe character can get passed down through breeding, and for you to have more tame offspring, you need to breed a pair of gentle leopard geckos.
Gecko’s temperaments are based on individual Leo’s maturity. All geckos go through puberty. The males are the first to hit sexual maturity at around 6-8 months old, while females reach their sexual maturity at 8-12 months old.
The males tend to get territorial around this time, while the females lose their appetite, stop eating as they ovulate, and potentially become gravid.
During ovulation, females tend to become more skittish; if they become gravid, they won’t enjoy you holding them. However, males, on the other hand, while they may act more active and want to come out all the time, tend not to shy away from being held.
They will want to look for mates during the breeding season(January-July) but won’t turn aggressive towards you, and their behavior is also consistent from season to season.
7. Movement
In terms of movement, there are some differences between male and female leopard geckos. Male leopard geckos tend to be more active and have more energy, which is reflected in their hunting style.
They typically launch at their food, displaying quick and sudden movements, whereas female leopard geckos tend to be more calm and methodical in their approach to hunting.
You will also notice that males tend to approach you as you approach the vivarium, while females tend to be more shy and reserved. This behavior can also vary depending on the individual gecko and their personality.
8. Difference in Life Span
Male leopard geckos in captivity tend to live longer than their female counterparts. They have a consistent feeding pattern, and their mating cycle is less taxing on their bodies. Males are also known to have a long life span of over 15 years, some living well past the age of 25, that is, with proper care. However, females, on the other hand, live an average of 10-15 years.
Egg production stresses the female body. Every year, the females ovulate between January and July. They often lose their appetite, and as a result, they get at an elevated risk of falling sick from various diseases, such as metabolic bone diseases due to calcium deficiency.
9. Tail Waving Behavior
Male leopard geckos will wave their tails in a back-and-forth motion, usually when they are confronted with another male or when they are trying to assert dominance over their territory. This behavior is a sign of territoriality and is meant to intimidate potential rivals. The tail shaking produces a rattlesnake-like sound as well.
Female leopard geckos, on the other hand, are less likely to wave their tails. If they do wave their tails, it is usually a more subtle and less pronounced movement.
It’s worth noting that tail waving behavior can vary depending on the individual gecko and its personality, and it’s not always a reliable indicator of sex.
10. Geckos Chirp Noises
Male leopard geckos are territorial by nature and tend to make more noise. The chirping sounds signal other geckos or intruders in their territory.
The chirping is meant to call the females for mating; however, females only make chirp noises when they get hungry and want to be fed.
With a good feeding schedule, you can easily predict when to provide your Leo’s next meal. Therefore, female geckos might be considered for more quiet companionship.
11. Weight and Body Frame
Another way to differentiate between male and female leopard geckos is by observing their weight and body frame. Male leopard geckos tend to have a larger frame and body mass than females. This can be seen in their broad heads and neck area.
In terms of size, female leopard geckos typically measure 7-8 inches in length, while males measure 8-11 inches. The males weigh an average of 60-80 grams, while the females weigh 50-70 grams.
The larger frame and body mass of male leopard geckos are believed to be a defense mechanism against predators and aggressive females. They also have high testosterone levels, which are responsible for aggression and offspring viability.
Why It’s Important to Sex Leopard Gecko?
- Breeding: If you plan on breeding leopard geckos, it’s essential to know the sex of your geckos so that you can pair them correctly. Knowing the sex of your geckos will also help you to identify any potential breeding problems, such as infertile males or females that are not producing eggs.
- Size: Male leopard geckos tend to be larger and have a more robust build, while females tend to be smaller and have a more slender build. Knowing the sex of your gecko can help you to determine if it is growing at a healthy rate and if it’s reaching its full potential size.
- Behavior: Male and female leopard geckos have different behaviors, such as territorial behavior in males, and this can affect how you handle and care for your gecko.
- Health: Knowing the sex of your gecko can help you to identify any potential health issues, such as reproductive tumors in females or testicular tumors in males.
- Preventing Inbreeding: Identifying the sex of your gecko can prevent the inbreeding and ensure the genetic diversity in your breeding colony.
- Names: Knowing the sex of your gecko can help you to choose an appropriate name for it.
When Should You Sex Your Gecko?
It is important to note that it is best to wait until a leopard gecko reaches at least 5 inches in length before attempting to sex them. This is because young geckos are quite small and both males and females can look similar until they have grown a bit.
Additionally, males may not exhibit traditional masculine characteristics until they reach this size.
If you purchase a leopard gecko from a reputable breeder, they will be able to tell you the sex of the gecko from the moment it hatches, as they are able to sex the geckos by controlling the temperature of the eggs during the incubation period.
It’s also important to note that geckos are temperature-sex determined. This means that the sex of the leopard gecko will depend on the temperature set during incubation period.
Typically, for incubation of female leopard geckos, the temperature is kept around 80°F and for male leopard geckos, the temperature is kept warmer at around 87°F.
Male and Female Gecko – Which Is a Better Pet?
The male species is a more viable option than the female, which is attributed to the fact that the males can reach up to 25 years of age with proper care and a more conducive environment.
They are also not prone to diseases and are known to have a consistent feeding pattern. The females, however, their ovulation patterns that tend to drain their health, leading to a reduced lifespan.
Overall, the decision of whether to choose a male or female leopard gecko as a pet ultimately depends on personal preference and what you are looking for in a pet. Both males and females can make great pets and have their own unique characteristics and behaviors.