Eublepharidae

Eublepharidae, commonly known as eyelid geckos, is a small family of geckos distinguished by the presence of movable eyelids and by lacking the specialized adhesive toe pads found on many other geckos. Members are generally terrestrial, with robust bodies, short limbs, and well-developed claws. They tend to rely on camouflage and are primarily nocturnal or crepuscular. Unlike many other geckos, they can blink and close their eyes.

The family includes several genera, among them Eublepharis, Coleonyx, Hemitheconyx, and Goniurosaurus. Species are distributed across Africa, parts of Asia, and North America, occupying a variety of habitats from deserts and scrublands to rocky hillsides and forests. They are typically ground-dwelling and use shelters such as beneath rocks, logs, or leaf litter.

Ecology and reproduction are characterized by predominantly insectivorous diets. Reproduction is oviparous, with females laying eggs in clutches—often two eggs per clutch—hidden in secure microhabitats. Incubation and development are influenced by temperature and humidity of the nesting site. Some species exhibit relatively slow growth and long lifespans for geckos.

In captivity, several Eublepharidae species are kept as pets, with the leopard gecko (Eublepharis macularius) being the most prominent example due to its hardiness and straightforward care requirements. Conservation statuses vary by species and region, with habitat loss and collection pressures affecting certain members of the family.