# 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. - **Category:** [Reptiles](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/reptile) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Forests ![Rhacodactylus ciliatus](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Gekkoninae_Rhacodactylus_ciliatus_tete.png&width=800) Photo: annakilljoy, moderator of geckoleo.com/forum, Public domain · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gekkoninae_Rhacodactylus_ciliatus_tete.png) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Squamata - **Order:** Lacertilia - **Family:** Diplodactylidae - **Genus:** Correlophus ## 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 - **Sticky Climber:** Rhacodactylus ciliatus has specialized lamellae on its toes that helps them climb smooth surfaces like glass with incredible ease. - **Tail Breakaway:** Rhacodactylus ciliatus can detach its tail when threatened, which helps them escape predators by distracting them. - **Eye Licker:** Rhacodactylus ciliatus can lick its own eyeballs because it lacks eyelids, that helps them keep their eyes clean and moist. - **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/crested): Crested describes animals possessing a prominent tuft of feathers, hair, or skin on their head. - [Omnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/omnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter. - [Arboreal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/arboreal): Arboreal animals live primarily in trees, utilizing them for shelter, food, and protection from predators. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life. - [Longevous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/longevous): This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind. - [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day. ## Collections - [Reptiles](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/reptiles) ## 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 to identify Rhacodactylus ciliatus? Compare toes, scales, head shape, crests and tail proportions. Many lizards can drop and regrow their tails, so a short tail isn't always a species trait. Lizard Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### 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 ## Where to spot - [Alameda Wildlife Conservation Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/alameda-wildlife-conservation-park) — Gibraltar, GI · Zoo ## More Reptiles - [Pond Slider](https://www.snappit.app/explore/pond-slider) (*Trachemys scripta*) - [Western Fence Lizard](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-fence-lizard) (*Sceloporus occidentalis*) - [Common Five-lined Skink](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-five-lined-skink) (*Plestiodon fasciatus*) - [Desert Spiny Lizard](https://www.snappit.app/explore/desert-spiny-lizard) (*Sceloporus magister*) --- Source: [Rhacodactylus ciliatus: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/rhacodactylus-ciliatus)