To tell if a leopard gecko is male or female, turn it over gently and look just above the vent at the base of the tail. Males have a clear V-shaped row of pores (preanal pores) and two bulges behind the vent (hemipenal bulges). Females have faint or no pores and a flat area behind the vent. You can only sex a leopard gecko reliably once it is about 6 months old or roughly 20 to 30 grams; before that, the signs are too small to see.
Below is a step-by-step guide to sexing your gecko, a side-by-side comparison of males and females, how incubation temperature decides sex, and whether a male or a female makes the better pet.
How to tell if a leopard gecko is male or female
- Wait until it is old enough. Most geckos can be sexed from about 6 months. Some breeders can sex them earlier with a loupe, but guesses on hatchlings are often wrong.
- Hold it gently. Let the gecko walk onto your hand, then support its body and lift it so you can see underneath. Never hold it by the tail, which it can drop. Our guide to picking up a leopard gecko shows how.
- Look above the vent. The vent is the slit across the underside where the tail meets the body. Just in front of it, between the back legs, look for a V or chevron of small dots.
- Look behind the vent. Check the base of the tail for two rounded bumps side by side.
- Use a magnifier or your phone. A jeweler's loupe or a phone camera with the flash on makes the pores much easier to see. Take a photo and zoom in so you can let the gecko go quickly.
Male vs female leopard gecko: the differences
| Male | Female | |
|---|---|---|
| Preanal pores | Clear V-shaped row of large, dark or waxy pores above the vent | Faint, small pores or none; may look like tiny dimples |
| Hemipenal bulges | Two obvious bumps behind the vent | None; the tail base is flat |
| Adult size | 8 to 10 inches, 60 to 80 g | 7 to 8 inches, 45 to 65 g |
| Head and build | Broader head, thicker neck | Slimmer head and body |
| Behaviour | Territorial; tail rattles and may fight other males | Usually calmer; may become restless when gravid |
| Eggs | None | Can lay infertile eggs even without a male |
| Typical price | Usually a little more | Usually a little less |
Size alone is not a reliable sign, since a well-fed female can outgrow a small male. Our size and weight chart has the full ranges by age, and our price guide covers what each costs.
How incubation temperature decides sex
Leopard geckos do not have sex chromosomes. Their sex is set by the temperature the egg is incubated at, mostly in the first few weeks.
| Incubation temperature | Mostly hatches |
|---|---|
| Around 80°F | Females |
| Around 84 to 86°F | A mix of males and females |
| Around 87 to 90°F | Males |
Breeders use this to produce the sex they want, which is why a breeder can often tell you a hatchling's likely sex before the pores are visible. It is a strong tendency, not a guarantee, so always confirm once the gecko is older.
Is a male or female leopard gecko a better pet?
Both make good pets, and personality varies more between individuals than between the sexes. The main differences are practical.
- A single male is a simple choice for one gecko. Males are slightly bigger and never lay eggs. Never house two males together, as they will fight.
- A single female is also a good pet, but she may lay infertile eggs once or twice a year even without a male. Give her a damp lay box (a humid hide filled with moist moss works), extra calcium, and watch for signs of egg binding such as straining, a swollen belly and not eating.
- A male and a female together will breed. Unless you plan to breed and can care for the eggs and babies, keep them apart.
- Two females together can sometimes share a large enclosure, but they may still compete for food and the best hides. Most keepers now recommend housing every leopard gecko on its own.
Whichever you choose, the setup is the same. Our starter kit checklist lists everything a new gecko needs.
Leopard gecko male or female FAQ
How can you tell if a leopard gecko is male or female?
Look underneath at the base of the tail. Males have a V-shaped row of pores above the vent and two bulges behind it. Females have faint or no pores and no bulges.
At what age can you sex a leopard gecko?
Usually from about 6 months, or once it weighs around 20 to 30 grams. Before that the pores and bulges are too small to judge reliably.
Can female leopard geckos have pores?
Yes. Females often have small, faint pores that look like tiny dimples. Male pores are larger, darker and form a clear V, and males also have hemipenal bulges.
Do female leopard geckos lay eggs without a male?
Yes, some females lay infertile eggs without ever meeting a male. Give her a damp lay box and extra calcium during laying season.
Can two male leopard geckos live together?
No. Adult males are territorial and will fight, often causing serious injuries. House males on their own.
Are male or female leopard geckos friendlier?
Neither sex is reliably friendlier. Temperament depends mostly on the individual and on regular, gentle handling. Our guide to taming a leopard gecko covers how to build trust.