Crested gecko

Last updated

Crested gecko
Crested gecko - 1.jpg
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Diplodactylidae
Genus: Correlophus
Species:
C. ciliatus
Binomial name
Correlophus ciliatus
Guichenot, 1866
Rhacodactylus ciliatus range map.jpg
Approximate distribution of the crested gecko
Synonyms [2]

The crested gecko (Correlophus ciliatus), also known commonly as the eyelash gecko, is a species of lizard in the family Diplodactylidae. The species is native to southern New Caledonia. In 1866, the crested gecko was originally described by French zoologist Alphonse Guichenot. [1] [2] The species was thought to be extinct until it was rediscovered in 1994 during an expedition led by German herpetologist Robert Seipp. [3] [4] Along with several other New Caledonian gecko species, it is being considered for protected status by the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna.

Contents

Taxonomy

The species was first described in 1866 as Correlophus ciliatus by the Guichenot in an article entitled "Notice sur un nouveau genre de sauriens de la famille des geckotiens du Muséum de Paris [Notice of a new genus of saurians of the gecko family from the Paris Museum]" in the Mémoires de la Société Scientifique Naturelle de Chérbourg.

It was later renamed Rhacodactylus ciliatus in 1883. [5] Recent phylogenetic analysis indicates that R. ciliatus and R. sarasinorum are not closely related to each other. So 55 species have been reclassified from the genus Rhacodactylus back to the genus Correlophus . [6]

The specific name, ciliatus, is Latin, from cilia ("fringe" or "eyelashes") and refers to the crest of skin over the animal's eyes that resembles eyelashes.

Geographic distribution

The crested gecko is endemic to South Province, New Caledonia. There are three disjunct populations, one on the Isle of Pines and surrounding islets, and two on the main island of Grande Terre. [7] On Grande Terre, one population is around the Blue River, which is a protected provincial park, and the other is farther north, just south of Mount Dzumac.

Physical description

Wild crested gecko displaying eye-cleaning behavior Correlophus ciliatus 33604770.jpg
Wild crested gecko displaying eye-cleaning behavior

The crested gecko usually measures 8–10 inches (20–25 cm) in total length, including 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) of tail length. [3] Among the most distinctive features of this gecko are the hair-like projections found above the eyes, which greatly resemble eyelashes. These projections continue as two rows of spines that run from the eyes to the sides of the wedge-shaped head and continue to the base of the tail. The crested gecko does not have eyelids. Instead, a transparent scale, or spectacle, keeps each eye moist, and the gecko uses its tongue to clear away debris. [8]

C. ciliatus possesses a semi-prehensile tail which it uses to assist in climbing. The tail can be dropped (via caudal autotomy) to distract predators. The crested gecko does not regenerate its tail once lost. Most adults in the wild lack tails. [4]

The toes and the tip of the semi-prehensile tail are covered in small hairs called setae. Each seta is divided into hundreds of smaller (approximately 200 nanometres in diameter) hairs called spatulae. It is believed these structures exploit the weak van der Waals force, to help the gecko climb on most solid surfaces, most easily on flatter, smoother surfaces such as glass or wood. [9] The toes have small claws which aid in climbing surfaces to which its toes cannot cling.

The crested gecko has many naturally occurring color groups, including grey, brown, red, orange, and yellow of various shades. It has three color morphs in the wild: pattern-less, white-fringed, and tiger. [10]

Ecology

Habitat and Behavior

Jumping crested gecko Rhacodactylus ciliatus IMG 7638-3s.jpg
Jumping crested gecko

The crested gecko is a mostly arboreal species, preferring to inhabit the canopy of the New Caledonia rainforests. It is able to jump long distances between branches to move to new locations. It is nocturnal, and will generally spend the daylight hours sleeping in secure spots in high branches. [1] [11] [12] [13]

Diet

The crested gecko is an omnivore, and will opportunistically feed on fruit, nectar, pollen, and a variety of insects. [11]

Reproduction

Crested geckos mating Crested mating.jpg
Crested geckos mating

Little is known about the wild reproductive behavior of the crested gecko. Available information has been obtained from captive animals. Females generally lay two eggs per clutch, which hatch 60–150 days after they are laid. A female crested gecko only has to mate with a male once in order to lay 2 eggs every 4–6 weeks for a breeding cycle of upwards of 8–10 months. After a breeding cycle, females in the wild go through a "cooling" cycle, usually prompted by slight temperature and daylight changes over the winter season. [14] During this time, the females are able to regain the body mass and nutrients they lost during egg-laying.

The crested gecko has two small sacs for calcium on the roof of its mouth. If an egg-laying female does not have enough calcium her sac will be depleted, and she can suffer from calcium deficiency. This can lead to a calcium crash, in which the female appears shaky or wobbly, lethargic, has a lack of appetite, and can even result in death. [11]

Newly hatched crested geckos will generally not eat until after they have shed and eaten their skin for the first time, having relied until then on the remains of their yolk sack for nutrition. [11]

Conservation

The crested gecko was believed to be extinct prior to rediscovery in 1994. [4] The species is currently being assessed for CITES protection and vulnerable status. [15] The biggest single threat to the wild population appears to be the introduction of the little fire ant (Wassmania auropunctata) to New Caledonia. [11] This ant species preys on the crested gecko, stinging and attacking in very large numbers, and it also competes with the crested gecko for food by preying on arthropods. Other threats to the wild population include habitat damage from wildfires, rodent predation, and habitat degradation from introduced deer and pigs. [16]

As a pet

Juvenile female crested gecko Crested gecko juvenile.jpg
Juvenile female crested gecko

Though the export of wild specimens of the crested gecko is now prohibited, biologists exported several specimens for breeding and study before New Caledonia stopped issuing permits to export the species. From these specimens, different breeding lines were established, both in Europe and the United States. The crested gecko is now one of the most widely-kept and bred species of gecko in the world, second only to the common leopard gecko. [11]

The crested gecko can be very long-lived. While it has not been kept in captivity long enough for a definitive life span to be determined, it has been kept for 15–20 years or more. [17] [7]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yellow-headed day gecko</span> Species of lizard

The yellow-headed day gecko, also commonly called the cheerful day gecko, Klemmer's day gecko, and the neon day gecko, is a small diurnal species of gecko, a lizard in the family Gekkonidae. This endangered species is endemic to northwestern Madagascar and inhabits coastal forests, dwelling on bamboo. The yellow-headed day gecko feeds on insects and nectar.

<i>Bavayia</i> Genus of lizards

Bavayia is a genus of lizards in the family Diplodactylidae. Species in the genus Bavayia are also known commonly as New Caledonian geckos or bavayias. The genus is native to the remote New Caledonia and Loyalty Islands. The 41 species are moderately small to medium-sized geckos, and are distinguished from other genera by their tail length and the shape of their digits.

<i>Eurydactylodes</i> Genus of lizards

Eurydactylodes is a small genus of geckos commonly referred to as chameleon geckos from the subfamily Diplodactylidae, endemic to New Caledonia and few adjacent islands. Within the Diplodactylidae, Eurydactylodes resides in the Carphodactylini tribe, and consists of four species. All species share similar morphology as well as lifestyle and habits. The first of the Eurydactylodes species to be classified, E. vieillardi, was discovered in 1869.

<i>Rhacodactylus</i> Genus of lizards

Rhacodactylus is a genus of medium to large geckos of the family Diplodactylidae. All species in this genus are found on the islands that make up New Caledonia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gargoyle gecko</span> Species of lizard

The gargoyle gecko, knob-headed giant gecko, New Caledonia bumpy gecko, or New Caledonian bumpy gecko is a species of gecko found only on the southern end of the island of New Caledonia. Its habitat is threatened by deforestation on the island. This species of gecko is the smallest of the six recognized species in its genus where they often reach about 125 mm in size. This gecko, along with several other Rhacodactylus species are being considered for protective measures by CITES, which would put restrictions on their exportation. This gecko was first described by Bavay in 1869.

<i>Rhacodactylus leachianus</i> Species of lizard

Rhacodactylus leachianus, commonly known as the New Caledonian giant gecko, Leach's giant gecko, leachianus gecko, or Leachie, is the largest living species of gecko and a member of the family Diplodactylidae. It is native to most of New Caledonia.

<i>Mniarogekko chahoua</i> Species of lizard

Mniarogekko chahoua, commonly known as the mossy New Caledonian gecko, short-snouted New Caledonian gecko, Bavay's giant gecko, or mossy prehensile-tailed gecko, is an arboreal gecko found natively on the southern portion of the island of New Caledonia and on the outlying islands of Île des Pins.

<i>Correlophus sarasinorum</i> Species of lizard

Correlophus sarasinorum, also called commonly Roux's giant gecko, Sarasins' giant gecko, Sarasin's [sic] giant gecko (incorrectly), and the suras gecko, is a species of lizard in the family Diplodactylidae. The species is native to the southern portions of the outlying New Caledonian island of Grande Terre.

The rough-snouted giant gecko, also known as the greater rough-snouted gecko or tough-snouted gecko, is a species of gecko found in New Caledonia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Leopard gecko</span> Species of reptile

The leopard gecko or common leopard gecko is a ground-dwelling gecko native to the rocky dry grassland and desert regions of Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, India, and Nepal. The leopard gecko has become a popular pet, and due to extensive captive breeding it is sometimes referred to as the first domesticated species of lizard.

Antoine Alphonse Guichenot was a French zoologist who taught, researched, and participated in specimen collecting trips on behalf of the Muséum national d'histoire naturelle (Paris), including an extensive biological survey of Algeria.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Diplodactylidae</span> Family of lizards

The Diplodactylidae are a family in the suborder Gekkota (geckos), with over 150 species in 25 genera. These geckos occur in Australia, New Zealand, and New Caledonia. Diplodactylids are the most ecologically diverse and widespread family of geckos in both Australia and New Caledonia, and are the only family of geckos found in New Zealand. Three diplodactylid genera have recently been split into multiple new genera.

<i>Saltuarius salebrosus</i> Species of lizard

Saltuarius salebrosus, also known as the rough-throated leaf-tailed gecko or Central Queensland leaf-tailed gecko, is a gecko found in Australia. It is endemic to dry areas in mid-eastern and south-central Queensland.

Correlophus belepensis is a species of geckos endemic to New Caledonia. They can reach a snout–vent length of 100 mm. They have a similar appearance to their sister taxon, Correlophus ciliatus. They only occur in a 8 kilometer area on the province of Belep, on the Art Island; In which they are found on hard lateritic soils covered with closed or paraforestier forest. Their involvement in the illegal French pet trade, along with Electric ants, and habitat loss, are prime reasons for their endangerment

<i>Dierogekko</i> Genus of lizards

Dierogekko is a genus of geckos in the family Diplodactylidae. The genus is endemic to the northwest portion of New Caledonia. They are sometimes known commonly as the striped geckos or the New Caledonian geckos. Dierogekko are small geckos with simple, granular scales and subdued patterning of broad longitudinal stripes or spots. They are similar in overall appearance and habit to closely related geckos in the genera Bavayia and Oedodera, and the type species D. validiclavis was once referred to Bavayia.

Paniegekko is a monotypic genus of geckos in the family Diplodactylidae, containing the species Paniegekko madjo. It is endemic to humid montane forests on Mont Ignambi and Mont Panié in the Panié massif of New Caledonia. It was once considered a species of Bavayia, a similar genus of arboreal geckos. Paniegekko madjo is endangered, owing to predation by introduced rodents and cats combined with habitat degradation by wildfires and introduced pigs and deer. It has not been observed since 1998.

<i>Rhacodactylus trachycephalus</i> Species of lizard

Rhacodactylus trachycephalus, commonly known as the lesser rough-snouted giant gecko, dwarf rough-snouted giant gecko, or tough-snouted giant gecko, is a species of gecko endemic to two small areas of islands in New Caledonia. Its body grows to around 10 centimetres (3.9 in) and has a mosaic pattern with a variety of colors. Rhacodactylus trachyrhynchus is a closely related species, but R. trachycephalus is smaller and has a number of other noticeable differences. R. trachycephalus is viviparous, giving birth to only one or two young a year. Its restricted humid forest habitat is vulnerable due to multiple threats. As a result of habitat reduction, low reproduction rate and small population, it is one of the rarest geckos in the world.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Border beaked gecko</span> Species of lizard

The border beaked gecko is a gecko endemic to Australia in the family Gekkonidae. It is known for its distinctive beak-like snout and ability to camouflage itself in its surroundings.

<i>Strophurus williamsi</i> Species of lizard

Strophurus williamsi, also known commonly as the eastern spiny-tailed gecko, the soft-spined gecko, and Williams' spiny-tailed gecko, is a species of lizard in the family Diplodactylidae. The species is endemic to semi-arid regions of eastern Australia including Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia. It has become a popular species as a pet for its distinctive tail features. S. williamsi has been grouped within a clade of seven other species that are believed to have diverged from their ancestors around 20 million years ago. S. williamsi can be distinguished from closer relatives by arboreality and diurnal (day-active) activity.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pygopodoidea</span> Superfamily of lizards

Pygopodoidea is a gecko superfamily and the only taxon in the gekkotan subclade Pygopodomorpha. The clade includes three Australasian families: Diplodactylidae, Carphodactylidae, and Pygopodidae. Traditional gekkotan systematics had considered Diplodactylidae and Carphodactylidae as subfamilies of the family Gekkonidae, but recent molecular work have placed Pygopodidae within Gekkonidae making it paraphyletic. These analyses have shown support of Pygopodidae and Carphodactylidae being sister taxa, with Diplodactylidae occupying a basal position in Pygopodoidea.

References

  1. 1 2 3 Sadlier, R.A.; Bauer, A.M.; Jourdan, H.; Astrongatt, S.; Deuss, M.; Duval, T.; Bourguet, E.; McCoy, S.; Bouteiller, A.; Lagrange, A. (2021). "Correlophus ciliatus ". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2021: e.T176173A123253756. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2021-2.RLTS.T176173A123253756.en . Retrieved 19 November 2021.
  2. 1 2 Correlophus ciliatus at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 18 April 2019.
  3. 1 2 Hamper, Robbie (2003). The crested gecko, Rhacodactylus ciliatus, in captivity. Lansing, Mich.: ECO Publishing. ISBN   0971319758. OCLC   190641818.
  4. 1 2 3 Seipp, Robert; Klemmer, Konrad (1994). "Wiederentdeckung von Rhacodactylus ciliatus Guichenot 1866 im Süden Neukaledoniens (Reptilia: Sauria: Gekkonidae) ". Senckenbergiana Biologica. 74 (1/2): 199–204. (in German).
  5. ↑ Smith, Kaytee (2014-07-14). "Creature Feature: The New Caledonian Crested Gecko". NC Museum of Natural Sciences Education Blog. Retrieved 2024-04-02.
  6. ↑ Aaron M. Bauer; Todd R. Jackman; Ross A. Sadlier; Anthony H. Whitaker (2012). "Revision of the giant geckos of New Caledonia (Reptilia: Diplodactylidae: Rhacodactylus)" (PDF). Zootaxa. 3404: 1–52. doi:10.11646/zootaxa.3404.1.1.
  7. 1 2 Brusso, Kristin. "Rhacodactylus ciliatus (Crested Gecko, Eyelash Gecko)". Animal Diversity Web. Retrieved 2024-04-02.
  8. ↑ Black, Adam (2006-02-28). Crested Geckos. T.F.H. Publications. ISBN   978-0-7938-2881-4.
  9. ↑ Autumn, K.; Puthoff, J. (2006). "Properties, principles, and parameters of the gecko adhesive system". In Smith, A.M., Callow, J.A. (ed.). Biological adhesives. Springer. pp. 245–280. ISBN   978-3-540-31048-8.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: editors list (link)
  10. ↑ Badger, David; Netherton, John (2002). Lizards: A Natural History of Some Uncommon Creatures – Extraordinary Chameleons, Iguanas, Geckos, and more. Stillwater, Minnesota: Voyageur Press.
  11. 1 2 3 4 5 6 De Vosjoli, Phillipe; Repashy, Allen; Fast, Frank (2003), Rhacodactylus: The Complete Guide to their Selection and Care, Advanced Vivarium Inc, ISBN   978-0-9742971-0-1
  12. ↑ Exo Terra - The Crested Gecko Expedition, 16 October 2014, retrieved 2021-09-26
  13. ↑ Gamble, Tony; Greenbaum, Eli; Jackman, Todd R.; Bauer, Aaron M. (2015-08-01). "Into the light: diurnality has evolved multiple times in geckos". Biological Journal of the Linnean Society. 115 (4): 896–910. doi: 10.1111/bij.12536 . ISSN   0024-4066.
  14. ↑ "Crested Gecko Breeding Basics". Acreptiles. Retrieved 2022-08-03.
  15. ↑ Fox, Rebecca (10 March 2013) Greater protection sought for geckos. The New Zealand Herald.
  16. ↑ "Crested Gecko". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 26 August 2010. 26 August 2010. Retrieved 10 January 2021.
  17. ↑ "How long can crested geckos live". Archived from the original on 2018-01-16. Retrieved 2018-01-16.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.