Eyelash Crested Gecko: Facts, Care & Why They're Called That [2026]

What Is an Eyelash Crested Gecko?

The eyelash crested gecko (Correlophus ciliatus) is a tree-dwelling gecko native to New Caledonia, an island group in the South Pacific. Once thought to be extinct, the species was rediscovered in 1994 and has since become one of the most popular pet reptiles in the world.

The name "eyelash gecko" comes from the distinctive row of raised, hair-like scales running from the eyes down the back. These crest scales — not actual eyelashes — give the gecko its unique, almost prehistoric appearance.

Why They're Called Eyelash Geckos

The "eyelash" name refers to two features:

1. Superciliary crests: A row of small raised scales directly above each eye, closely resembling eyelashes
2. Dorsal crests: The crests continue from behind the eyes down the sides of the head and body to the base of the tail

These crests vary significantly between individuals. Some crested geckos have tall, prominent crests while others have lower, subtler crests. Crest height and shape are heritable traits that breeders selectively work with in morph projects.

Appearance

Crested geckos are medium-sized lizards with a distinctive profile:

• Size: 6 to 10 inches total length, with females typically smaller than males
• Weight: 35 to 55 grams for adults
• Eyes: Large with vertical slit pupils — no eyelids; they lick their eyes to keep them moist
• Feet: Sticky toe pads (setae) allow climbing on smooth surfaces including glass
• Tail: Semi-prehensile; can grip branches; often dropped and does not regrow
• Tongue: Pink, used for licking eyes and food

Morphs and Color Varieties

Crested geckos come in an enormous range of colors and patterns. Key categories include:

Color ranges from near-white through cream, yellow, orange, red, olive, brown, and near-black. A single gecko may "fire up" (become more vibrant) or "fire down" (become duller) depending on temperature, stress, and time of day.

Care Requirements

Crested geckos are among the easiest reptiles to care for. They do not require specialized heating or UVB lighting that other reptiles need.

Enclosure

• Adult size: 18"L x 18"W x 24"H (or larger) — vertical height is more important than floor space
• Juveniles: A smaller enclosure (12x12x18) makes it easier for young geckos to find food
• Material: Screen mesh top for ventilation; glass terrariums work well
• Décor: Live or artificial plants, cork bark hides, branches for climbing

Temperature

Crested geckos cannot tolerate prolonged temperatures above 85°F and may die from heat stress. They thrive at typical room temperature in most homes without supplemental heating.

Humidity

• Maintain 60-80% relative humidity
• Mist the enclosure once or twice daily — morning and evening
• Allow the enclosure to dry slightly between mistings to prevent mold

Lighting

UVB is not strictly required, but providing 5.0 UVB bulbs for 10-12 hours daily may support calcium metabolism and vitamin D3 synthesis. Many keepers maintain crested geckos without any UVB with good results when supplements are provided.

Diet

Crested geckos are omnivores in the wild, eating fruit, nectar, and insects. In captivity:

• Commercial diets: Pangea Fruit Mix, Repashy Crested Gecko Diet, or similar complete meal replacement powders (MRP) serve as the primary food source
• Live insects: Dubia roaches or crickets 2x per week, dusted with calcium supplement
• Fruit: Small amounts of mashed fruit (mango, papaya, banana) occasionally

MRP diets have made crested gecko feeding extremely simple — mix with water to a ketchup consistency and offer in a small dish 3-4 times per week.

Supplementation

When feeding live insects, dust with:

• Calcium + D3 at every insect feeding
• Multivitamin twice per month

MRP diets are already balanced, so supplements are primarily needed for insects.

Handling and Temperament

Crested geckos are generally calm and tolerant of handling, but they are also quick and jumpy. Young geckos tend to be more skittish than adults.

• Start slow: Limit handling to 5-10 minutes daily when first acclimating
• Be gentle: Cup the gecko in your hands and let it walk from hand to hand
• Never grab the tail: This can trigger autotomy (tail drop)
• Avoid stress: Signs of stress include rapid breathing, vocalizations, and color darkening

Tail Loss (Autotomy)

If a crested gecko's tail is grabbed or the gecko is severely stressed, it may drop its tail. This is called autotomy.

• The tail does not grow back (unlike many other gecko species)
• A tail-less crested gecko is called a "frogbutt" by hobbyists
• Tail loss does not harm the gecko's health or lifespan
• Most tail-less crested geckos live full, healthy lives

Lifespan

With proper care, eyelash crested geckos live 15 to 20 years. Some individuals have been documented living over 20 years in captivity. This long lifespan makes them a significant long-term commitment.

Are Eyelash Crested Geckos Right for You?

Best for:

• Beginners and experienced keepers alike
• People without access to exotic vets (hardy, disease-resistant)
• Those who want a visually striking animal without complex heating requirements
• Apartment or small-space keepers

Less ideal for:

• People wanting a highly interactive pet (they prefer observation over handling)
• Those who want a tail to always be intact (tail loss is common)

The eyelash crested gecko is one of the most rewarding reptile pets available today — beautiful, hardy, and surprisingly long-lived.