Leopard geckos are popular pets, but figuring out whether you have a male or female leopard gecko is important for proper care. If you plan to house multiple geckos together, knowing their sex is crucial to prevent unwanted breeding or fighting.
Male and female leopard geckos display sexual dimorphism, which means they have distinct physical differences.
This article will show you how to determine the sex of your leopard gecko by examining key physical characteristics.
When Can You Accurately Tell the Sex of a Leopard Gecko?
It’s tough to tell whether a leopard gecko is male or female when they’re very young. It’s more reliable to check after they’re about 6 months old.
Before that, their physical characteristics haven’t fully developed. The pre-anal pores and hemipenal bulges are less noticeable when they’re juveniles.
Also, the temperature when the eggs incubate matters. Cooler temperatures (80-82°F) tend to produce mostly females. Warmer temperatures (88-90°F) produce mostly males. If the temperature is somewhere in the middle (83-87°F), you’ll probably get about half males and half females.
Even with fully developed characteristics, you have to look closely and consider everything before you can be sure.
Method 1: Examining pre-anal pores
One of the most reliable ways to tell a male leopard gecko from a female is by examining the area just above their vent, or cloaca, for pre-anal pores.
Identifying pre-anal pores
Pre-anal pores are small, waxy-looking pores found in a V-shaped row just above the vent.
These pores are only found in males. Females do not have them.
How to examine for pre-anal pores
To check for pre-anal pores, gently lift the gecko’s tail to expose the area above the vent. Handle the gecko gently to avoid causing it undue stress.
Look for a distinct row of small pores. They may appear as tiny dark spots or indentations.
In young males, the pores may be less obvious, but you should still be able to see them if you look closely.
Distinguishing pre-anal pores from other markings
Be sure you’re looking in the correct area, just above the vent. The pores should be arranged in a V shape.
If you’re not sure whether your gecko has pre-anal pores, it’s a good idea to double-check using one of the other sexing methods.
Method 2: Identifying Hemipenal Bulges
Another way to tell male leopard geckos from females is to look for hemipenal bulges.
Understanding Hemipenal Bulges
Male leopard geckos have slight swellings at the base of their tails, just below their vents. These are caused by the presence of hemipenes, the male reproductive organs.
Female leopard geckos don’t have hemipenes, so they don’t have those telltale bulges.
How to Examine for Hemipenal Bulges
To look for hemipenal bulges, gently lift your gecko’s tail so you can see the area below the vent.
If your gecko is male, you should see symmetrical bulges on either side of the tail’s midline.
Considerations for Identifying Hemipenal Bulges
The bulges tend to be more noticeable in mature males. If you’re trying to sex a juvenile gecko, the bulges may be less prominent.
Be careful not to mistake the bulges for other natural contours of the body. If you’re not sure, gently feel the area. If the bulges are hemipenes, you should feel firm structures underneath the skin.
Method 3: Check the Femoral Pores
Both male and female leopard geckos have femoral pores, which you’ll find on the underside of their back legs. They look like a line of tiny dots.
Males tend to have femoral pores that are larger and easier to see than those on females. To get a good look, gently lift the gecko’s leg and examine the area.
Compare the size and prominence of the pores. Keep in mind that femoral pores are not a perfect way to tell the difference between males and females. It’s best to use this method along with other techniques.
Other physical differences between male and female leopard geckos
Pre-anal pores, hemipenal bulges, and femoral pores are the most reliable ways to tell male and female leopard geckos apart. But there are a few other clues you can watch for. Keep in mind that these are less reliable than the features mentioned above.
- Males are often larger and thicker than females.
- Males may have larger heads.
- The base of the tail might be thicker in males because of the hemipenes.
However, these differences aren’t always obvious.
Frequently Asked Questions
What geckos are the friendliest?
While “friendliness” is subjective, leopard geckos are generally considered one of the most docile and handleable gecko species, making them popular pets. Crested geckos are also known for their gentle nature. That being said, individual personalities vary, so handling frequency and technique greatly influence a gecko’s comfort level.
How can you tell if a leopard gecko is male or female?
The easiest way to sex a leopard gecko is by looking for prominent femoral pores (small v-shaped row of pores) above the vent and a bulge at the base of the tail in males. Females lack these distinct features, having smaller or absent pores and no bulge.
When can I tell if my leopard gecko is male or female?
It can be difficult to accurately sex leopard geckos when they are very young. These features become more pronounced in males as they mature, typically around 6-8 months of age. Before this point, it’s harder to be certain. At this age, males begin to develop a bulge at the base of their tail, while females will remain flat.
Do male leopard geckos like to be held?
Whether a male leopard gecko “likes” to be held depends on the individual gecko’s personality and how it has been handled. Some may tolerate or even seem to enjoy short handling sessions, while others may become stressed. It’s crucial to handle them gently and observe their body language. Never force a gecko to be held if it’s showing signs of distress.
Summary
If you want to know whether your leopard gecko is male or female, you’ll need to look carefully and use more than one method to determine its sex. Relying on just one characteristic could give you the wrong answer.
For the most reliable results, examine your gecko’s pre-anal pores, hemipenal bulges, and femoral pores. Keep in mind other potential physical differences as additional clues.
If you’re still not sure after you’ve done your research, contact an experienced breeder or a reptile veterinarian for help. Accurate sexing is essential for responsible pet ownership, especially if you’re thinking about breeding leopard geckos.