Leopard geckos are great pets for homes with children and are beginner-friendly.It is easy to care for a leopard gecko. However, your pet will need the right environmental setup.The leopard gecko, also called the common leopard gecko (Eubleppharis macularius), is a ground-dwelling lizard. Leopard geckos live in the deserts and rocky dry grasslands of India, Nepal, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran. In the freezing conditions of the winter season, these lizards retreat underground for semi-hibernation, living on fat reserves called brumation. These species are nocturnal reptiles. Nocturnal gecko species are evolved geckos of diurnal reptiles without eye rods. Nocturnal species have excellent night vision. Also, in low light, their color vision is 350 times more sensitive than that of a human. These geckos are also popular as pets and are often referred to as the first lizard species to be domesticated. These reptiles are opportunistic predators, feeding on various prey items. In defense, like most lizards, geckos lose their tail, and predators tend to attack the tail while a gecko runs away.If you enjoy reading these facts about whether leopard geckos need UVB, then make sure to read some more interesting facts about whether leopard geckos like to be held and gecko food here at Kidadl.What is UVB?UVB stands for ultraviolet B, which is ultraviolet radiation that has wavelengths of less than 1% of the UV radiation that reaches Earth’s surface.UV light is an invisible electromagnetic energy coming from natural sunlight, man-made objects like UVB bulbs and UV lamps. The electromagnetic spectrum is the scale used to measure UV lighting, including infrared and visible light. Black lights, fluorescent lights, and gas discharge lamps are also UV light sources. The amount of UVB light or UVB bulbs needed depends on the type of reptile. Near-equatorial or equatorial reptiles will need more UV light, including UVB light, than reptiles from non-equatorial regions. The amount of UVB radiation can be decided by gauging the distance between the natural habitat of your pet reptile and the equator.UVB light for a leopard gecko in its enclosure is extremely important. Leopard geckos must have at least 12 hours of UVB exposure or time under UVB lights to stay healthy. Both UVB lighting and a heat lamp are required for many reptiles.Difference Between UVA And UVBUV rays is an umbrella term containing UVC rays, UVA rays, and UVB rays. UVA has a longer wavelength fraction compared to UVC and UVB.The sun’s rays produce a full spectrum of UV radiation that is divided into UVC, UVA, and UVB. UVC rays are the most dangerous but are also completely absorbed by the atmosphere. About 95% of UV light consists of UVA radiation that reaches the Earth. UVA light can penetrate deep into human skin and also through glass. UVA can damage human skin and can cause aging. UVB is high energy and there is only around 5% in UV lighting. UVA and UVB together can cause severe skin problems like skin cancer. However, for reptiles, both UVA and UVB are important. For most lizards and other reptiles, sunlight is a daily necessity as it provides them with vitamin D. UVA regulates reptile behaviors like diurnal movements, feeding, and mating. UVB light helps reptiles synthesize vitamin D3. Although not required, UVC can kill bacteria. UV exposure can destroy viruses, fungi, or bacteria on the skin of a leopard gecko.Why do leopard geckos need UVB?Leopard geckos need UVB lighting to utilize calcium, synthesize their own vitamin D3, and have healthy body temperature and bones.Although leopard geckos do not spend a lot of time in natural daylight, they still sun themselves to maintain their body temperature. The correct leopard gecko lighting setup can keep your pet healthy and happy. For proper bone density, vitamin D3 is essential for geckos and will also help them develop properly. A study also noted that, compared to other reptiles, leopard geckos’ skin can absorb more UVB rays. So, when your gecko spends time in its basking area just before sunlight, then it means that it is taking in as much UV light as it can.Even though your gecko keeps its body exposed to low levels of light, it will need a daily dose of UV light. Only after your pet has been exposed to UV rays can it produce an adequate amount of vitamin D3. This is the reason why these reptiles are classified as crepuscular, meaning they come out in the fading lights of dusk and dawn. Sometimes, they rest by exposing some body parts to the light. You can turn off UV rays or use a dim light for night lighting. However, it is necessary to provide them some nighttime for the proper functioning of their circadian rhythm. The temperature must not drop below average. Some leopard geckos do survive without a UV source.Signs A Leopard Gecko Needs UVBSome signs your gecko shows due to lack of UVB are lethargy, metabolic bone disorder, decrease in appetite, jaw malformations, or bowed legs.UV light can improve skin barrier functions in a gecko. It will also modulate the immune response of its skin and increase pigment formation. Beta-endorphin and nitric oxide production in geckos can also be stimulated by UV light. Without UVB, leopard geckos cannot synthesize vitamins in their bodies; hence their bones do not develop properly. So, a lizard will suffer from bone development issues. The most common disease in lizards is a metabolic bone disorder due to vitamin D deficiency. Lizards with this disorder will pull out calcium from their bones, replacing it with fibrous tissue. This causes deformations in the body with difficulties in movement and feeding.Leopard geckos should not receive too much UVB light. You can find UVB tubes with a suitable amount of light by looking at their percentage of intensity. It should be between 2-7% for leopard geckos. Albino geckos that have low skin pigment need very low-intensity UVB tubes. An average UVB intensity is between 5-7%. Heat lamps are also necessary for geckos to thrive in captivity. In their natural habitats, leopard geckos will constantly move between cool and warm spots to maintain their body temperature for a healthy metabolism. You can place a heat lamp at one end of your pet’s enclosure, which makes the other end cooler.Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestion for ‘Do leopard geckos need UVB?’, then why not take a look at ‘Do leopard geckos bite?’ or ‘Leopard gecko facts’?
Leopard geckos are great pets for homes with children and are beginner-friendly.
