Animal Profiles
Reptiles

Crested Gecko

Correlophus ciliatus

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

The crested gecko is a nocturnal lizard native to New Caledonia. Fringed scales above its eyes and adhesive climbing pads give it a distinctive appearance.

Crested gecko (Correlophus ciliatus).

Crested gecko (Correlophus ciliatus).

Lennart Hudel · CC BY

At a glance

Location
Crested geckos inhabit rainforests on Grande Terre and the Isle of Pines in New Caledonia. They rest in thick vegetation during the day and move through shrubs and lower branches at night.
Habitat
Rainforest
Diet
Omnivore
Food
The diet combines insects with fruit and nectar. A gecko searches for food after dark and can jump between nearby branches. Individuals are generally solitary. The cited account uses its former scientific name, Rhacodactylus ciliatus.

Classification

Common name
Crested Gecko
Browse group
Reptiles
Scientific name or taxon
Correlophus ciliatus
Taxon rank
species
Family
Diplodactylidae
Genus
Correlophus
Source classification
Reptilia

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Three things to know

  • It forages mainly at night.
  • It eats fruit as well as insects.
  • A lost tail does not grow back.

Habitat and range

Crested geckos inhabit rainforests on Grande Terre and the Isle of Pines in New Caledonia. They rest in thick vegetation during the day and move through shrubs and lower branches at night.

Appearance and adaptations

A broad head carries a fringe of pointed scales above each eye. Adhesive toe pads and a grasping tail help it climb. Unlike many other geckos, it cannot regrow a lost tail.

Diet and behaviour

The diet combines insects with fruit and nectar. A gecko searches for food after dark and can jump between nearby branches. Individuals are generally solitary. The cited account uses its former scientific name, Rhacodactylus ciliatus.

Sources

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