Crested Gecko

Correlophus ciliatus


The Crested Gecko, also known as the Eyelash Gecko, are only found on two islands in New Caledonia. There are currently only three known populations of geckos, making them very vulnerable to extinction. They come in a range of colors, including a light tan, peach, or red brown. Usually there is an appearance of darker bands on their back between their crests. Captive geckos have been bred to have many different colors and patterns. These crests start behind the eyes and go all the way back to the tail. The purpose of them appears to be to keep dust away from the eyes, but the purpose for the rest of the body is unclear.

Geckos are known for their sticky hands, and Crested Geckos are one of the stickiest. They have four fingers, all covered in hairs called setae. These hairs allow them to stick to virtually any surface by means of tiny chemical bonds. They also have setae on the end of their prehensile tail, making them expert climbers with trees. Crested geckos are one of the species that do not have eyelids and must lick their eyes to keep them moist. Geckos do not have ears like mammals do, but rather just a tympanic membrane – a thin layer of skin that vibrates much like our eardrum.

Say Hello To Cub Creek's Geckos: Rex, Chomper, and Yoshi

All our crested geckos live in their own enclosures with our Creepy Crawly Critters like our scorpions, tarantulas, and millipedes. Rex and Yoshi came to us in April of 2015 while Chomper arrived in February of 2015. Currently, Yoshi is the only one with a tail, the other two lost their for some unknown reason. But being in captivity, that doesn’t affect their livelihood in any way. They each have their favorite locations in their enclosures where you are sure to find them. Yoshi’s is under his hide, Chomper’s is amidst his artificial plants, and Rex’s is wherever he can stick to a wall! They are all super friendly and love being taken out, but watch out because they may jump off to explore even more.

Crested Geckos are endemic to South Province, New Caledonia.

Habitat Icon Cub Creek Science Camp

HABITAT -They are found in the rain forests on two islands in New Caledonia.

Diet Icon Cub Creek Science Camp

DIET -They are omnivores, eating insects, nectar, and fruits.

Fun Fact Icon Cub Creek Science Camp

FUN FACT -They can lose their tail to avoid predators but cannot grow it back.

Social Behavior Icon Cub Creek Science Camp

SOCIAL BEHAVIOR -They are solitary animals, but very docile with humans.

Activity Icon Cub Creek Science Camp

ACTIVITY -These geckos are nocturnal, being active at night and hiding in vegetation during the day.

Predator Icon Cub Creek Science Camp

PREDATORS -The biggest predator of crested geckos are fire ants, followed by dogs, cats, rats, snakes, and other geckos.

Size Icon Cub Creek Science Camp

SIZE -They only weigh 1-2 oz and are 8 in long.

RelativesIcon Cub Creek Science Camp

RELATIVES -They are in the same genus as other endemic New Caledonia Giant Geckos.

Conservation Icon Cub Creek Science Camp

CONSERVATION -Due to their restricted habitat and many predators, they are listed as Vulnerable under the IUCN.

Cub Creek Animal Care Information


Housing - Our Cresteds reside in the Creepy Crawley Room in the summer and hang out in the ALC in the offseason. They each live in their own terrarium, at least 15 gallons, that is filled with artificial plants and various places to hide. Their soil is kept moist and they are sprayed down with water several times a day to simulate their natural, tropical environment. They have access to fresh water as well.

Diet - Our lizards are fed on a reptile specific schedule, meaning they are fed Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Reptiles have slow metabolisms and do not require to be fed everyday if they are fed adequately. They are fed a specially designed food made for crested geckos. It is a powder we mix with water and contains dried fruits, molasses, rice, and and lots of vitamins and minerals.

Enrichment - Reptiles do not need a lot of enrichment beyond their various hides. Our campers give them plenty of stimulation by handling them and even occasionally bringing them outside on warmer days in the summer.