How to tell a male from a female leopard gecko

Sexing Leopard Geckos. How to Tell Male from Female Leopard Geckos

It takes a bit of practice before you can tell and male leopard gecko from a female leopard gecko.

Juvenile leopard geckos can be very difficult to sex. Typically, you can sex leopard geckos at around 3-4 months with experience, and it gets easier as they get older (sexing is usually easier after about 6 months of age).

The differences are quite distinct but are much easier to see with experience or if you have geckos of each sex to compare.

Pre-Anal Pores

Male have a distinct v-shaped row of pre-anal pores in front of the vent (cloaca). As the gecko matures, they become quite prominent and exude a waxy material. Females have a similar row of very small pored, but they are not nearly as prominent and are barely noticeable, and they do not exude the waxy substance.

Hemi penile Bulges

Males have two distinct bulges behind the vent; one on either side of the base of the tail. This is where the hemipenis (male reproductive organs) are located.
Femoral Pores

Males also have enlarged pores on the underside of their rear legs (thighs).


How to tell the difference between male and female Leopard Geckos in summary:

Determining The Sex of a Male Leopard Gecko

- Male Leopard Gecko’s have Femoral Pores on the underside of their thigh.
- Male Leopard Gecko’s have more noticeable V-Shaped Preanal Pores.
- Male Leopard Gecko’s show two hemi penal bulges on the base of their tails.

Determining The Sex of a Female Leopard Gecko
- Female Leopard Gecko's femoral pores are virtually non-existent.
- Female Leopard Gecko's preanal pores are virtually non-existent.
- Female Leopard Gecko’s do not have two hemi penal bulges at the base of their tails.

You will have to wait until the Gecko is old enough, over 6 months at least to really be sure. Juvenile male Leopard Geckos look very much like females.