Crested Gecko — Harlequin
Correlophus ciliatus
The Pinstripe Crested Gecko is a color morph of Correlophus ciliatus characterized by two continuous cream or white lines running along the outer edges of the dorsal crests.
Environnement
Terrestre
Humidité
60 - 80 %
Température diurne
22 - 26 °C
Température nocturne
20 - 22 °C
Taille adulte
20 cm
Description de l'espèce
Morph/Variant Note: The most iconic morph. Features abundant flaming and mottled patterns along the flanks and limbs on top of the base flame pattern.
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Endemic to southern New Caledonia (including the Isle of Pines). Historically thought to be extinct, it was rediscovered in 1994. It inhabits the lower to mid-canopy of humid tropical forests, sheltering from direct sunlight.
Taxonomy and Genetics: Family Diplodactylidae. *Correlophus ciliatus* (formerly *Rhacodactylus ciliatus*). Captive breeding has established numerous morphs such as Harlequin, Brindle, Dalmatian, and Lily White.
Behavior and Habits: Crepuscular and nocturnal. They remain motionless during the day on branches and foliage. At night, they actively climb and jump. Docile but prone to sudden leaps.
Morphology: Features a soft skin and characteristic eyelash-like crests running from above the eyes along the sides of the back. Head is triangular. Tail is prehensile with an adhesive tip. Males have large hemipenal bulges at the base of the tail.
Soins, reproduction et cohabitation
Terrarium Setup: Arboreal setup is required (minimum 45x45x60 cm). Furnish with live plants (Pothos, Sansevieria) and climbing branches. Use coco-coir or peat substrate. Food and water dishes should be elevated.
Lighting and Heating: Keep temperatures between 22-26°C. Avoid temperatures above 28°C. Do not use bottom heating mats or hot rocks. Provide a low-intensity 5% UVB light.
Humidity and Hydration: Maintain high humidity (60-80%) with a daily drying period. Spray the terrarium with fresh water every evening; geckos will drink droplets from leaves and their own eyes.
Feeding and Supplementation: Primary diet consists of commercial powdered fruit-based replacement diets (Repashy/Pangea) mixed with water. Supplement once or twice a week with calcium/D3-dusted crickets or roaches.
Compatibility: Peaceful when kept alone. Males are territorial and should never be housed together. Females can sometimes be kept together in larger tanks.
Health and Common Diseases: May drop their tail (autotomy) under high stress, rough handling, or tail grabbing. The tail does not regenerate. Prevent skin rot by ensuring proper ventilation.
Origine et répartition géographiques
Endemic to southern New Caledonia (including the Isle of Pines). Historically thought to be extinct, it was rediscovered in 1994. It inhabits the lower to mid-canopy of humid tropical forests, sheltering from direct sunlight.
Origine
Sélection et cultivarsAustralie, Nouvelle-Guinée et Océanie
Profil de reptile
- Régime alimentaire
- Omnivore
- In the wild, the Crested Gecko is primarily an omnivore, feeding on a wide variety of insects, overripe fruits, and nectar found in the canopy of New Caledonia. In captivity, their dietary needs are mostly met through commercially prepared powdered diets that provide a balanced ratio of fruit, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Offering live feeder insects like crickets or dubia roaches once or twice a week is highly recommended to stimulate hunting behavior and provide essential proteins for growth and breeding. Insects should be appropriately sized and dusted with calcium and vitamin D3 supplements to prevent metabolic bone disease.
- Taille adulte
- 20 cm
- Mode de vie/microhabitat
- Arboreal
- They are predominantly arboreal, spending the vast majority of their lives in the canopy of trees and tall shrubs. They possess specialized toe pads with microscopic setae that allow them to easily scale smooth vertical surfaces.
- Cycle d'activité
- Nocturnal
- These geckos are primarily crepuscular and nocturnal, becoming highly active during the twilight hours of dusk and dawn, as well as throughout the night. During the day, they typically remain hidden and asleep in foliage or bark.
- Sociabilité
- Gregarious
- As naturally solitary and nocturnal reptiles, Crested Geckos spend their days resting in foliage and become active at dusk to forage and explore. Males are highly territorial and will fight aggressively if housed together, often resulting in severe injury or tail loss. While females can occasionally be kept in small groups under close supervision in large enclosures, solitary housing is the safest and least stressful approach for all individuals. They are widely recognized for their docile temperament with humans and will tolerate gentle, short handling sessions once acclimated, though excessive handling can induce stress.
- Reproduction
- Oviparous
- The Crested Gecko is oviparous and remarkably prolific when maintained under optimal conditions. Females typically lay clutches of two eggs every 30 to 45 days during the breeding season, burying them in a moist substrate. Incubation temperatures can influence the hatching time and, to some extent, the sex ratio of the offspring, generally taking between 60 and 120 days depending on the thermal environment. Cappuccino is an incomplete dominant gene. The homozygous form creates a dark 'Super Cappuccino'. Careful genetic tracking is essential when working with these distinct morphological variations to maintain healthy lineages and avoid undesirable traits.
- Tolérance aux manipulations
- Tolerant
- Generally very docile and tolerant of human interaction, making them excellent pets for beginners. However, they are known to be "jumpy" and can drop their tails if startled or grabbed abruptly, a condition that is permanent as their tails do not regenerate.
- Brumation
- Non requise
- This species does not require a brumation period and can be kept at standard room temperatures (72-78°F or 22-25°C) year-round. A slight nighttime temperature drop is natural but extreme cold should be avoided.
- Mue
- Periodic
- Shedding occurs regularly, typically every 2 to 4 weeks depending on the age and growth rate of the gecko. Proper shedding requires a consistently humid environment (60-80% relative humidity), and they will instinctively eat their shed skin to recover nutrients and hide their presence from predators.
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