Contents
Introduction
Leopard geckos are one of the most popular reptile pets worldwide. They are easy to care for, have a friendly temperament, and come in a wide variety of colors. In this article, we will discuss the different color morphs of leopard geckos, their genetics, and how to care for them.
Normal Leopard Geckos
The normal or wild-type leopard gecko is yellow with black spots. This coloration is the most common in the wild and is often used as a base for breeding other morphs. Normal leopard geckos have a recessive gene that causes them to produce melanin, which gives them their black spots.
High-Yellow Leopard Geckos
High-yellow leopard geckos have a brighter yellow coloration than normal leopard geckos. They lack the black spots that are present in the wild-type leopard geckos. This morph is dominant, which means that if a leopard gecko has one high-yellow gene, it will display the high-yellow coloration.
Tangerine Leopard Geckos
Tangerine leopard geckos are named after their bright orange coloration. This morph is a co-dominant trait, which means that if a leopard gecko has one tangerine gene and one normal gene, it will display a mix of both colors. If a leopard gecko has two tangerine genes, it will have a bright orange coloration.
Albino Leopard Geckos
Albino leopard geckos lack the ability to produce melanin, which gives them an all-white coloration with red eyes. This morph is recessive, which means that both parents must carry the albino gene for their offspring to display the albino coloration.
Jungle Leopard Geckos
Jungle leopard geckos have a unique pattern of black stripes on a yellow or orange background. This morph is co-dominant, which means that if a leopard gecko has one jungle gene and one normal gene, it will display a mix of both patterns. If a leopard gecko has two jungle genes, it will have a more prominent stripe pattern.
Conclusion
In conclusion, leopard geckos come in a wide variety of colors and patterns. Breeders have been working to create new and unique morphs by selectively breeding geckos with specific traits. It’s important to do your research and understand the genetics behind each morph before breeding or purchasing a leopard gecko. With proper care and attention, these beautiful creatures will make wonderful pets for years to come.