Rhacodactylus ciliatus
ExploreReptiles
Rhacodactylus ciliatus
Rhacodactylus ciliatus
The Crested Gecko is a fun and colorful lizard with a fluffy crest on its head! They are friendly and love to climb around in trees and on rocks.
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The Rhacodactylus ciliatus is a medium-sized gecko named for the distinctive fringed crests running over its eyes, resembling eyelashes, and down its back. Its skin can be smooth or textured, often showcasing earthy tones like brown, orange, and red, sometimes with white or yellow patterns, making it visually distinct from many other geckos.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassSquamataOrderLacertiliaFamilyDiplodactylidaeGenusCorrelophus
Category
ReptilesRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
These geckos were thought extinct for over 100 years until rediscovered in 1994!
They are often called 'Eyelash Geckos' because of the crests above their eyes.
They use their tongues to taste the air around them, just like a snake!
Unlike many lizards, their tail will not grow back if it is dropped off!
Special abilities
Ability
Sticky Climber
Rhacodactylus ciliatus has specialized lamellae on its toes that helps them climb smooth surfaces like glass with incredible ease.
Ability
Tail Breakaway
Rhacodactylus ciliatus can detach its tail when threatened, which helps them escape predators by distracting them.
Ability
Eye Licker
Rhacodactylus ciliatus can lick its own eyeballs because it lacks eyelids, that helps them keep their eyes clean and moist.
Ability
Gripping Tail
Rhacodactylus ciliatus has a prehensile tail that helps them grip branches for stability and balance while climbing.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 10-13 cm
- Weight
- 0.03-0.05 kg
- Lifespan
- 10-20 years
- Clutch Size
- 1-2
- Incubation
- 60-150 days
Diet & Feeding
Crested Geckos are omnivores, munching on insects, fruit, and even nectar found in their forest home.
Primary Foods
- Crickets
- Roaches
- Fruit
- Nectar
- Small Invertebrates
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
New Caledonian Crow
Corvus moneduloides
A native bird that preys on small geckos and other arboreal creatures.
eaten by
Giant Gecko
Rhacodactylus leachianus
Larger geckos, like this one, may opportunistically prey on smaller geckos.
eats
Two-spotted Cricket
Gryllus bimaculatus
A common insect species that forms a primary part of its insect diet.
eats
Strangler Fig
Ficus prolixa
Consumes the ripe fruits and nectar from these native New Caledonian trees.
Traits
Crested
Crested describes animals possessing a prominent tuft of feathers, hair, or skin on their head.
Omnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter.
Arboreal
Arboreal animals live primarily in trees, utilizing them for shelter, food, and protection from predators.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Longevous
This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always wash your hands after touching a lizard and be gentle if you hold one.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Rhacodactylus ciliatus?
10-13 cm
How much does Rhacodactylus ciliatus weigh?
0.03-0.05 kg
How long does Rhacodactylus ciliatus live?
10-20 years
What does Rhacodactylus ciliatus eat?
Crested Geckos are omnivores, munching on insects, fruit, and even nectar found in their forest home.
Where is Rhacodactylus ciliatus usually found?
Forests
How does Rhacodactylus ciliatus hunt?
Foraging
How many eggs does Rhacodactylus ciliatus lay?
1-2
How long do Rhacodactylus ciliatus eggs take to hatch?
60-150 days
Snap Map
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Recent Snaps
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Where to spot
Zoo30 sightings14 species
Colorado, US
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
You might spot Western Lowland Gorilla, Varanus Macraei, and Bluetongues.
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Zoo4 sightings3 species
Gibraltar, GI
Alameda Wildlife Conservation Park
You might spot Parakeet, Tortoises, and Guinea Pig.
View guide →
Zoo0 sightings0 species
Silesian Voivodeship, PL
Śląski Ogród Zoologiczny
You might spot Chilabothrus Angulifer and Yellow-Crested Cockatoo.
View guide →
