Crested gecko natural history – Driving you up the wall!!

The crested gecko (Correlophus ciliatus) is a small, arboreal, crepuscular lizard found exclusively in the subtropical forests of southern New Caledonia—a place that sounds relaxing until you realise everything there climbs.

They range in size from 4–7 inches, with about half of that sometimes being tail. Small, yes—but don’t let the size fool you. These little acrobats have mastered vertical living in a way most of us struggle to manage stairs.

Their toes and the underside of their semi-prehensile tail are covered in microscopic hairs called setae. Thanks to a weak electrical interaction known as Van der Waals forces, these allow the gecko to cling to almost any surface—including glass. Yes, they can and will ignore gravity completely, often at 2am when you’re trying to sleep.

If the setae can’t grip, their tiny claws step in to help—because redundancy is key when your entire lifestyle depends on not falling off things.

Crested geckos can also drop their tails (caudal autonomy) as a defence mechanism. Unlike some of their gecko relatives, however, the tail does not grow back. Once it’s gone, it’s gone. Very much a one trick pony this one…. Fortunately, this isn’t a huge issue for them—unlike leopard geckos, they don’t store fat in their tails. Still, it does mean your gecko may go from “sleek tree ninja” to “slightly confused frog” in one dramatic moment.

In fact, around 75% of wild adult crested geckos are tailless—so if yours drops theirs, they’re just following the trend.

Built for climbing (and staring)

Some physical characteristics of crested geckos include:
• Triangular shaped head
• Large eyes and pupils (perfect for judging you silently in low light)
• Spiky crest extending over the eyes and down the back (their built-in hairstyle)
• Robust, elongated body
• Comparatively short legs
• Slender semi-prehensile tail

The forests of New Caledonia—particularly the lower canopy where crested geckos live—maintain relatively stable temperatures and humidity levels. During the evening, temperatures drop slightly, and humidity rises. Conveniently, this is fairly easy to replicate in captivity—no need to recreate an entire rainforest… just a convincing impression of one.

No eyelids, no problem

Crested geckos don’t have eyelids. Instead, they have a transparent scale called a spectacle that protects and keeps the eye moist. When it gets dirty, they clean it… with their tongue.

Yes, they lick their own eyeballs.

It sounds horrifying. It looks slightly unsettling. But somehow, it’s also kind of adorable.

Being mostly arboreal, they can be found 2–10 metres off the ground in the wild, lounging in the lower canopy. Due to their crepuscular nature, they sleep through most of the day—hidden away in branches or foliage—before emerging at dusk and dawn like tiny, slightly confused vampires.

What’s on the menu?

Crested geckos are omnivores, feeding on pollen, nectar, ripe fruits, and a wide variety of insects. In captivity, they’re famously easy to feed thanks to powdered diets—essentially the reptile equivalent of a smoothie. Low effort, high reward.

From “extinct” to everywhere

Crested geckos were thought to be extinct until their rediscovery in 1994—which is quite the comeback story. By 1999, they had entered the pet trade, and since then, their popularity has exploded.

There are now over 25 different morphs (variations in colour and pattern), including:
• Patternless
• Harlequin
• Bicolour
• Flame
• Tiger
• Brindle
• Dalmatian (yes, with spots—no barking)

With lifespans of 10–20 years (and possibly longer), they’re not just a short-term commitment—they’re a long-term, wall-climbing housemate.

This one’s climbing the walls!

Crested geckos display a range of behaviours—some fascinating, some odd, and some that will make you question everything.

• Eating their own shed skin – Completely normal. It helps them reclaim lost nutrients and conveniently removes the evidence. You may never actually see your gecko shed—it’s very tidy, if slightly gross.

• Inactive during the day – Totally natural. They’re crepuscular, so daytime is for sleeping, hiding, and pretending they don’t exist.

• Biting – Hatchlings may bite as a defence mechanism. Don’t take it personally—they think you’re a predator. Fortunately, their bites are more “surprising” than painful.

• Burying themselves in substrate – Usually one of two reasons:

1. A female is gravid and looking for a place to lay eggs
2. It’s too hot, and they’re trying to cool down
   (Or possibly both. Either way, worth checking.)

• Lying flat and turning the head away – This is a stressed gecko trying to disappear. Unfortunately, they are not invisible, but they are trying their best.

• Brighter colours at night (“firing up”) – This is when your gecko looks its best—vivid colours, active behaviour, and maximum personality.

• Licking their eyes – Still weird. Still normal. Still happening.

• Chirping, barking, and growling – Yes, they make noises. Tiny, unexpected noises. It’s like discovering your houseplant can whistle.

• Tail dropping – A defence mechanism. Can also happen during breeding or if handled too roughly. Handle gently—no one wants an accidental dramatic exit.

The more you observe your gecko, the more behaviours you’ll notice—and the more you’ll realise they are equal parts adorable and slightly ridiculous.

Contender for the best pet reptile?

With their small size, ease of care, and calm temperament, crested geckos are often labelled as a “starter” reptile. That said, no reptile is truly “easy”—but these come pretty close.

They’re visually stunning, low maintenance, and can live 20+ years with proper care. Their diet is simple, their setup is relatively straightforward, and they don’t require additional heating in most cases—making them cost-effective as well.

They’re also widely bred in captivity, which helps reduce pressure on wild populations—a rare win-win.

All in all, crested geckos are charming, low-key, slightly odd little creatures that will happily live on your walls, judge you from above, and occasionally lick their own eyes while you question your life choices.

What’s not to love?

For some tips and tricks check out our YouTube channel we have some fun videos with our animals and herptile care!