Mack Snow Leopard Gecko : Full Species Overview (Care Requirements & Sub-Morph Classification)

The Mack Snow Leopard Gecko is a unique and beautiful sub-species that has become increasingly popular as a pet in recent years. While they may be small in size, these Geckos have a gentle demeanor and are full of personality!

If you're interested in adopting a Mack Snow Leopard Gecko, this blog post is for you.

We'll delve into their characteristics, behavior, dietary needs, and health concerns, offering a step-by-step care guide to ensure your new companion thrives well.

Let's dive in!

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Overview Of The Mack Snow Leopard Gecko

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History and Origin

The Mack Snow Leopard Gecko, also known as the “Mack Snow”, is a relatively new morph. It was initially developed in the early 2000s by American breeders John & Amy Mack of Reptiles by Mack (for which it gets its name). The gene responsible for this morph is a recessive trait, meaning both parents must carry the gene for the offspring to show the trait.

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Physical Appearance

The Mack Snow morph typically has a white and light yellow base color, with dark spots or blotches on the back, tail, and legs. Their spots are usually dark grey or black, and have a distinct circular shape, but they can also come in the form of yellow, pink or white bands. They have a slender and elongated body shape, with a tail that is roughly the same length as their body. Due to selective breeding, Mack Snow Leopard Geckos can now be found in a variety of colors, including Blizzard Mack Snow, Super Snow, Gem Snow and Jungle Mack Snow.

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Size

The size of Mack Snow Leopard Geckos can vary depending on the individual, but they typically reach a total length of 7 to 10 inches when fully grown, measured from the tip of the nose to the end of the tail. Adult females are generally smaller and shorter, measuring between 6 and 8 inches, while adult males can grow to be slightly larger, measuring up to 11 inches.

It's important to note that the size of a Mack Snow Leopard Gecko can also be influenced by factors such as diet, genetics, and living conditions. A healthy diet and proper living habitat can help ensure that your pet reaches its full size potential.

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Temperament & Behavior

Mack Snow Leopard Geckos have a gentle and docile demeanor, making them the perfect pet for novice reptile owners. They are generally shy creatures who prefer to stay hidden when they feel threatened or uncomfortable. Despite their timid nature, these Geckos can be surprisingly affectionate and tend to bond well with their owners if given enough time.

They are quite easy to handle and make great pets for both experienced reptile owners and first-time keepers. Mack Snows are considered to be solitary animals, which means that they do not need the company of other Leopard Geckos to be happy and healthy. However, they can be kept in pairs or small groups if they are introduced at a young age and given ample space. They are also known to be quite hardy, which means they can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and humidity levels.

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Diurnal vs Nocturnal

Though they are often mistaken for nocturnal animals, in truth these creatures tend to be crepuscular. This means that instead of being active at night, these Geckos come alive during the twilight hours at dawn and dusk.

Crepuscular behavior is an adaptation to the desert environment where they are found in the wild. This allows them to avoid the intense heat of the day and the cold temperatures of the night. They also avoid competition for food and avoid predators that are active during the day or night.

It is important to note that the Mack Snows are adaptable to captivity and can adjust to the schedule of their owners, so if you want to interact with them during the day, you can gradually change the light cycle to match your schedule. However, it's important to maintain a consistent schedule and provide them with a hiding spot to rest and retreat during the day.

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Lifespan

With proper care, a captive bred Mack Snow can live up to 10-15 years in captivity. This is significantly longer than their wild counterparts, which can only live for 3-8 years due to the harsh environment in which they inhabit. Thus, proper diet, housing and temperature control are all key factors in ensuring your pet has a long and healthy life.

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Male vs Female

When it comes to the differences between males and females, there are few physical characteristics that can help you identify which is which. The best way to tell if your Gecko is a male or female is by looking at their vent, which is the small slit located on the underside of the Gecko's tail. Females have a Y-shaped vent while males will have two separate slits that appear more rectangular in shape.

Another way to tell them apart is through their size. As mentioned above, males tend to be larger than females, with males reaching up to 11 inches in length while females usually stay under 8 inches. Additionally, males tend to have larger heads, wider tails and broader shoulders.

In terms of temperament, there is not much difference between the two sexes. Both can make great pets, though females tend to be slightly more skittish and may need more time to become accustomed to handling.

It's worth mentioning that normal hatchlings cannot be accurately sexed until they are at least 8-9 months old. Until then, it is best to simply observe your young Gecko and look for other signs such as size, shape, and behavior that may help you determine its gender.

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Care Requirements for the Mack Snow Leopard Gecko

If you are new to the world of reptile keeping, the Mack Snow is an ideal pet choice. These hardy creatures are relatively easy to care for, though you must strive to replicate their natural habitat as much as possible in order to ensure that your Gecko enjoys a long and healthy life. Here are some of the fundamental necessities to keep in mind:

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Enclosure

Mack Snow Leopard Geckos are native to arid desert climates, so when selecting the ideal tank for them, make sure it is shallow and wide. This will provide an optimal substrate area that mimics their natural habitat. As a reliable guidepost, you'll want your enclosure to be a minimum of 10 gallons per adult Gecko, with larger enclosures being preferred for groups. The enclosure should be outfitted with a secure lid to prevent escape, as well as adequate airflow to ensure that the temperature and humidity levels remain stable.

Leopard Geckos are often mistaken for being arboreal, or tree-dwelling, lizards. The misconception is likely due to the fact that they have prehensile tails and can climb somewhat quite well. However, in the wild, normal Leopard Geckos are actually terrestrial animals that reside on the ground instead of in trees or other elevated areas.

Therefore, when setting up your enclosure it’s important to make sure that the majority of the space is taken up by a substrate and low level decorations that are conducive to ground dwelling. Upright decorations such as branches and vines can still be used, but they should only take up a small portion of the enclosure.

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Temperature Settings

The ideal temperatures for your basking area should range between 85-90°F and the cooler side of your enclosure should be maintained between 70-80°F. Additionally, you'll want to provide a heat gradient from the warmest side of the enclosure to the coolest, so that your Gecko can thermoregulate and choose its own optimal temperatures.

Dropping the temperature of the tank at night is another critical part of providing your Mack Snow Leopard Gecko with the best possible care. As these creatures are native to arid desert climates, their bodies need to be able to cycle through different temperatures in order to regulate their behavior and health. During the day, they prefer warmer temperatures, while at night the temperatures should gradually cool down to around 65-70°F.

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Exothermic vs Endothermic

Unlike endothermic creatures such as mammals, which can generate their own body heat and maintain a stable temperature regardless of their environment, Mack Snow Leopard Geckos are exothermic, meaning they rely on external sources of heat to maintain their body temperature. As such, these creatures are at the mercy of their surroundings and require stable temperature levels to remain healthy.

By adequately replicating these natural temperature variations in the enclosure, your Gecko will be able to better regulate its body functions and remain healthy and active. You can easily achieve this by using a combination of under tank thermostat regulated heaters, ceramic emitters, or incandescent light bulbs to provide the necessary warmth during the day, then gradually cooling off at night for a comfortable slumber.

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Lightning Needs

In addition to providing adequate heating, it's also important to ensure that your Mack Snow Leopard Gecko has access to a full spectrum of light. A good quality T5 and T8 UVB bulb is an essential part of achieving this, as these creatures need exposure to natural sunlight or its artificial equivalent in order to synthesize the necessary vitamins and minerals for proper health. Without proper lighting and exposure, they can develop a variety of metabolic and nutritional deficiencies that can quickly lead to an extensive amount of health problems. To ensure that your Gecko is getting the lighting it needs, you'll want to provide an appropriate UVB bulb in its enclosure and keep it on for around 8-10 hours each day.

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It's also a good idea to include some type of low-level light source in the enclosure, such as an LED or incandescent lamp. Not only will this provide your Gecko with a natural day/night cycle, but it can also act as a visual cue for your pet when it comes to determining when it's feeding time.

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Humidity Guideline & Spray Misting

Mack Snow Leopard Geckos originate from dry, arid climates with relatively low humidity levels. As such, the ideal range for this species should be kept between 30-40%. You can easily measure the humidity of your enclosure by using a digital hygrometer, and you can maintain the appropriate levels by misting lightly once or twice a day.

It's important not to over-mist your enclosure, as too much humidity can cause a variety of respiratory and dermatological issues for your pet, so make sure to keep track of these settings.

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Substrate, Furniture & Decorations

When creating a suitable habitat for your Mack Snow Leopard Gecko, it’s important to include the proper substrate. While sand may seem like the easiest and most appealing substrate choice for pet owners, many don't realize that it can lead your Leopard Gecko to serious gastrointestinal issues (impaction), and should only be used if it is installed correctly. As such, taking the necessary time to investigate loose substrates before introducing them into your pet's environment is essential.

Paper towels, reptile carpets, and tiles (ceramic, slate or porcelain) are all more suitable options for beginners if you’re looking for a quick and easy substrate to use. These will allow for more control over your pet’s environment, while also making cleaning much easier and more efficient.

Setting up the enclosure with a few hiding spots and small pieces of furniture, such as cork bark, rocks, logs or reptile hammocks is also important for providing your pet with the mental stimulation that it needs. This not only provides your tank with a naturalistic look, but will also help keep your pet's stress levels low by providing them with a safe area to retreat when feeling overwhelmed.

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List Of Essential Supplies

When caring for your Mack Snow Leopard Gecko, there are several essential supplies that you will need to make sure you have on hand. Here is a summative list:

It's important to research different products and read through their instructions before introducing them into your pet's environment. This will help you provide better care for your pet as well as prevent any potential issues from arising down the road. With proper preparation, patience and diligence, caring for a Mack Snow Leopard Gecko can be an incredibly rewarding experience!

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Diet, Feeding Habits and Nutritional Needs

When it comes to a Mack Snow Leopard Gecko’s diet and feeding habits, they are similar to most other Geckos. In the wild, these lizards feed on a variety of insects such as crickets, mealworms, waxworms and other beneficial bugs. In captivity, you can easily replicate their natural diet by providing them with a selection of these different live bugs.

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Nutritional Requirements

Mack Snow Leopard Geckos should receive a balanced diet that consists of both protein and calcium sources. Calcium can easily be provided by dusting their food with a supplement powder every 1-2 feedings, or by adding a calcium feeding dish within your tank. This will ensure that your pet receives the necessary nutrients to stay healthy and active.

Additionally, it is important to only feed your Leopard Gecko insects that are no longer than the space between their eyes. This will help prevent them from choking on any food items that are too large for their bodies to handle.

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Recommended Food Items

To ensure your Mack Snow Leopard Gecko stays healthy, here are 4 of the most beneficial dietary options that you should consider:

Note that Geckos tend to prefer live feeders rather than dried. It may take some trial and error to discover which type they prefer, but eventually you will be able to find the right combination that works for them.

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Supplementation Considerations

A great way to supplement your Leopard Gecko’s diet is with a multivitamin and calcium powder. The former helps provide essential nutrients, while the latter helps build stronger bones.

It's also important to make sure that your Mack Snow Leopard Gecko has access to a shallow dish of water at all times to ensure proper hydration.

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Handling and Interacting with your Mack Snow

Ideal for novice reptile owners, Mack Snow Leopard Geckos are renowned for their docile and gentle temperament. Despite their calm nature, they can still be skittish when it comes to handling and interacting with them. That’s why it’s important to slowly introduce yourself to your pet and continually work on building up their trust when it comes to picking them up.

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Appropriate Technique

When handling your Gecko, you should always ensure that you are gentle and use a firm but steady grip. This will help keep your pet calm as well as provide you with the control that is needed for successful handling.

When it comes to handling your Mack Snow, avoid picking them up by their tail as this can lead to detachment. For a gentler approach, use one hand to carefully scoop the Gecko from behind its front legs and then support its body with your other hand.

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Bonding Opportunities

Caring for your pet goes beyond providing them with food and a secure space. There is an abundance of creative ways to build meaningful connections with your Leopard Gecko. As such, interacting with your pet on a regular basis and offering them treats from your hand (such as mealworms) is not only a great way to show your pet some love, but will also help your Gecko become more comfortable with you. Another good way to bond with your pet includes offering them time outside of their enclosure (supervised of course) and talking to them in a calming voice.

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6 Handling Tips for Owners

Although Mack Snow Leopard Geckos are incredibly gentle when it comes to handling, there is still a few things that novice owners should keep in mind.

1. Never attempt to handle your pet if they appear stressed or agitated as this can further increase their fear. Instead, ensure you have given them enough time for proper acclimation.
2. Avoid handling your Gecko after they have eaten as this may cause them to regurgitate their food.
3. Always make sure that you are in a well-lit area when handling your Gecko, this will help them feel more secure.
4. Approach your pet from the front or side rather than directly above for reduced stress levels.
5. Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly before & after handling your pet to help prevent the spread of any potential illnesses.
6. Most importantly, never leave your pet unattended while they are out of their enclosure!

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How much does a Mack Snow Leopard Gecko cost?

You can expect to pay anywhere from 125$ to around 400$ for a single Mack Snow Leopard Gecko depending on age, size, gender, morphs, supplier, and rarity.

Hatchlings will often fetch a higher price tag than mature adults, as it is difficult to determine their unique morphs until they've reached full growth. Gender is another important variable, with males typically costing more than females since they are usually bigger and in higher demand. Additionally, rarer morphs with specific traits such as "Blizzard", "TUG", "Gem", "Super" and "Diablo Blanco" Mack Snow Leopard Geckos, will naturally command a higher price.

If you're seeking an accurate price range for a pet Gecko, the best course of action would be to do some research and connect with experienced breeders or local pet stores. With this approach, you will gain an in-depth understanding of the available options and which ones best fit within your allocated budget.

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Other Variants Of The Mack Snow Leopard Gecko Morph

A morph is essentially a genetically-unique variation of an animal that exhibits different colors and/or patterns from the standard species. Although the Mack Snow may come in a wide variety of morphs, all of them will likely require similar care and maintenance in order to ensure their continued health and longevity. Here is a summative list of some of the Mack Snow Leopard Gecko morphs:

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Super Snow Leopard Gecko

The "Super" morph is referred to a Mack Snow Leopard Gecko who has inherited two of the Mack Snow gene (one from each parent). This is a term commonly known as a homozygous trait. In regards of color, the Super Mack Snow is very similar to his heterozygous brother, but will be more likely to have less of a washed off coloration and more pronounced patterns. Another interesting common characteristic amongst this morph is their eyes, which tend to be tinted black and sometimes blood red. These are called snake eyes and are usually very sought after by collectors.

Prices

• Will vary depending on the base color and the symmetry of patterns
• Prices range anywhere between 200$ and 500$

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Snow "Blizzard" Leopard Gecko

This morph usually comes in two different sub-variations (Dark & Tremper). When they're born, hatchlings will usually come out in a single base color (purple, yellow or pink) and will most likely have no patterns to their coating, except for the deep blue hue on top of their eyes. As they grow older, "Blizzards" will typically turn Dark or Tremper and could develop a few light patterns in the form of white, pink or yellow bands and contrasting specks. These will also typically feature solid black or red eyes.

Prices

• Dark: 100$ - 150$
• Tremper: 200$ - 350$

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TUG Snow Leopard Gecko

This morph is very similar to the regular Mack Snow, but with darker and more defined patterns and specks, allowing for an overall better contrast with its white base hue. In general, the specks will be dark, round and randomly spaced throughout, almost like in a savannah's Leopard coating.

Prices

• Between 150$ and 250$

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"Diablo Blanco" Mack Snow Leopard Gecko

Diablo Blanco is usually bright white with light pink markings, but occasionally might turn out fully white. They are believed to have originated from a natural mutation within the Tremper Albino Gecko line and hence, will usually command higher prices amongst breeders. This morph is typically found in both Mack Snow and Super Snow Leopard Geckos with their eyes tending to be either solid black or red as well.

Prices

• Between 300$ and 950$

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Gem Snow Leopard Gecko

Gem Snows are very similar to the Mack and the TUG Snow, with the exception of their pattern arrangement. Unlike their counterparts, the Gem Snow Leopard Geckos won't have specks covering their base color, but rather larger bloches that can be filled or simply outlining the base hue. Some rare specimens have been known to have an almost symmetrically shaped gem-like pattern sequence, which in turn gave this morph it's interesting name.

Prices

• Will vary depending on the base color and the symmetry of patterns
• Prices range anywhere between 100$ and 1000$

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Jungle Mack Snow Leopard Gecko

This morph is most commonly seen in Super Snows and will usually feature a yellow/light green hue with either light black or brown blotching. They are very popular amongst breeders and collectors, as they tend to have stunningly beautiful markings that look quite unique when compared to the other Mack Snow variants.

Prices

• Between 100$ and 250$

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Super Snow "Eclipse" Leopard Gecko

The Eclipse Morph represents all Leopard Geckos with the genetic characteristic of having fully coloured eyes (black or red). This is very similar to snake eyes, except the entire eye is coloured rather than just the iris.

Prices

• Usually start at 300$

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"Godzilla" Mack Snow Leopard Gecko

Godzilla Geckos are referred to above average sized specimens of the Mack Snow morph. They are usually very sought after by breeders, as they tend to eventually grow much larger than the standard Mack Snow. Given the proper environment, they are known for surpassing the 10 inches mark and weighing over 150 grams.

Prices

• Can vary greatly depending on the size
• Usually prices start at 400$

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These are just some of the many morphs and variations that you can find in Mack Snow Leopard Geckos. Each one is unique and will have its own individual price tag, depending on its rarity and other characteristics.

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