The leopard gecko is typically a cream to yellow color, with black spots similar to those of a leopard. However, selective breeding in captivity has produced varying colorations, including high yellow, tangerine, lavender, blizzard (solid white or gray), and albino. Atypical patterns include striped and patternless (no spots or stripes) varieties. The typical total length is 6 to 11 inches, with some captive specimens exceeding 11 inches.
At birth, a leopard gecko has no spots. Instead, the body is covered in alternating darkand light yellow bands. These bands fade within one year.
The leopard gecko is one of only a few gecko species (all of them members of the subfamily Eublepharidae, a small family of tropical/subtropical species found in the world) that have eyelids. This helps the gecko keep its eyes clean and particle-free in its dusty environment. Like most other geckos, the leopard gecko can clean and moisten its eyes using its tongue. Unlike other species of gecko, leopard geckos have small claws instead of adhesive toe pads, which prevents them from climbing smooth vertical surfaces. However, their claws give extra traction on the ground and are helpful in digging. These differences have been cited as a possible reason to name Eubelpharinae as a different family apart from geckos.
Like most lizards, the leopard gecko can drop its tail, in a process called caudal autotomy. When frightened or disturbed (grasped), muscles at the base of the gecko's tail constrict and snap the vertebrae, severing most of the tail. The detached, wriggling and spasming tail distracts the potential predator as the gecko makes its escape. Although the leopard gecko will grow a new one in time, around 40 days, the regenerated tail will differ from the original, appearing bulbous and inferior. The tail will never look the same.
Geckos will also use their tails as storage devices. When a leopard gecko eats, it stores part of its food and converts it into fat, which goes to its tail. In times of hunger, leopard geckos gain nutrition by metabolising this fat reserve and therefore can survive a period of weeks without food. A healthy leopard gecko's tail is wider than the width of its neck.