How Long Do Leopard Geckos Live?
Leopard geckos commonly live 15 to 20 years with documented cases reaching 25 to 28, which makes them among the longest-lived popular pet lizards and roughly double a bearded dragon.
Published lifespan figures
| Figure | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Commonly published | 15-20 years | The usual captive range |
| Some individuals | 25-28 years | Documented |
| Compared with bearded dragons | Longer-lived | Roughly double |
Checked September 20, 2026 against the sources at the foot of this page. Where sources differ the range is shown rather than averaged.
What actually shortens it
Published lifespans describe well-kept animals. The gap between the figure above and what a leopard gecko actually lives is almost entirely husbandry, and these are the levers that matter most.
Impaction
The classic leopard gecko death, and usually a combination of loose particulate substrate and a mealworm-heavy diet. It is slow, and by the time the animal stops passing waste the blockage is established.
Untreated parasites
Cryptosporidium in particular is a recognised problem in leopard geckos and spreads readily between animals. A new gecko should be quarantined rather than added straight to a collection.
Metabolic bone disease
Less universal than in bearded dragons, because leopard geckos are nocturnal, but calcium supplementation still has to be right. The schedule depends on whether UVB is provided.
Common questions
How long do leopard geckos live?
Commonly 15 to 20 years in captivity, with documented individuals reaching 25 to 28 years. They are among the longest-lived popular pet lizards.
Why do leopard geckos outlive bearded dragons?
A smaller body and lower metabolism, lower reproductive demand in unbred females, and a nocturnal habit that makes them less dependent on getting high-output lighting exactly right.
What is the commonest cause of early death in leopard geckos?
Impaction, usually from loose particulate substrate combined with a mealworm-heavy diet, followed by untreated parasites.
Do female leopard geckos live shorter lives?
Not significantly in captivity if they are not bred. That is unlike chameleons, where egg production shortens female lifespans substantially even without a male.