Panther geckos (Paroedura pictus) are popular exotic pets thanks to their interesting markings and ease of care. Also known as the Madagascar ground gecko, this species hails from the island of Madagascar and is often found in the leaf litter of forests. Panther geckos are predominantly brown with black markings and big eyes. And they have a healthy appetite for crickets. They generally do well in captivity when given the proper environment, though they are typically quite timid and prefer not to be handled.These small geckos not only are known for their beautiful patterns but also for their interesting personalities. Juveniles can be jumpy but tend to calm down and become docile as they get older. Overall, panther geckos are nocturnal, so they won't be terribly active during the day.Although they're not ideal pets for homes with young children who might want to touch and hold the animal, panther geckos are suitable for first-time lizard owners who can commit to the animal's needs. These geckos don't respond well to stress. They don't like being handled and will bite as a warning if they feel threatened. (It's usually not much more than a warning bite and won't do much damage.) Panther geckos also can lose their tails when they feel stressed. The tail will regenerate eventually, though it will look different.