ADW: Rhacodactylus Ciliatus: INFORMATION - Animal Diversity Web

Physical Description

Crested geckos have a relatively large, triangular head, with two large eyes and two relatively large ear openings on either side of the head. Very fine light tan, peach, or reddish brown-colored granular scales cover their long bodies. They have moderately thick, prehensile tails. The back typically has a pattern of lateral, darker stripes. Thin, continuous, calcareous crest, project along either side of the back and also above the eyes and portions of the limbs. Above the eyes, these crests seem to serve primarily to keep dust and other particles out, but it is unknown what purpose is served by the dorsal and limb crests; they may be used in discriminating between potential mates. There are three color morphs that appear in wild crested geckos: patternless, tiger, and white-fringed. Patternless crested geckos are more or less solid in color, ranging from yellow, green, brown, red, to gray, and have very faint or no pattern present on the back. Tiger crested geckos have a light colored background with deep, dark, contrasting stripes and a patterned belly. White-fringed crested geckos are characterized by white or yellow coloration on all or a portion of the calcareous crest. In addition to these three patterns, there are many other variations that are distinct in captive bred individuals but are not found in the wild.

Crested geckos have four limbs, each ending in four fingers; at the bottom of each finger is a network of hairs (setae) which allow them to walk on very smooth vertical surfaces. These pads are especially important in tree climbing. Crested geckos also have a prehensile tail with setae at the tip, adding extra support when hanging from tree branches or trying to regain balance; unlike many species, these geckos can not re-grow their tails if lost. Adult crested geckos typically average 20.3 centimeters in total length and 10.2-11.9 centimeteres snout-to-vent length (SVL). These geckos lack eyelids, though they do have a clear protective covering over each eye. They must lick their eyes with their tongues periodically in order to keep them clean and moist. Crested geckos have a small opening, covered in a tympanic membrane, on each side of side of the head, which acts as an ear.

• Sexual Dimorphism
• sexes alike

Range mass 30 to 35 g 1.06 to 1.23 oz Average length 20.3 cm 7.99 in