The Curious World of the Crested Gecko Quiz

Answer: Correlophus ciliatus

Crested geckos were described in 1866 by French zoologist Alphonse Guichenot. He wrote an article about them entitled "Notes on a new species of lizard in the gecko family."

Answer: Storm

A group of herpetologists took shelter in some caves during a hurricane, and upon emerging from the caves, discovered a crested gecko outside it.

Answer: New Caledonia

New Caledonia is about 750 miles east of Australia. This is the only island where the crested gecko is found in the wild, but since their rediscovery in 1994 they have become a popular pet for reptile enthusiasts.

Answer: The tail is brittle, allowing it to break away when caught by a predator

The cells at the base of a crested gecko's tail have evolved to be breakable in the event of being caught by a predator. Once detached, the tails can move on their own for 2-3 minutes afterwards. Crested geckos can lose their tails from other kinds of stress, however, and when kept as pets it is best not to startle them.

Answer: Eyelash gecko

Ironically, crested geckos cannot blink, although the ridges on the crests of their eyes make them appear to have eyelashes. They lick their eyes to cleanse and moisturize them. They also have a transparent membrane, which protects their eyes.

Answer: Bristles

These small hairlike bristles enable crested geckos to climb up walls and across ceilings. About 60% of all species of gecko have setae on their feet for this purpose. With setae on their feet, geckos can walk up surfaces as smooth as glass.

Answer: Eat it

Crested geckos, and other species of gecko, often eat their shed. Minerals are stored in the shed skin, and eating their old skin helps them in growing a healthy new one. Also, in the wild, a shed skin would be a sign for predators that there is a lizard nearby.

Answer: Gargoyle geckos can regrow their tails, crested geckos cannot

Also from New Caledonia, the gargoyle gecko is smaller than the crested gecko. A crested gecko cannot regrow a tail, unlike a gargoyle gecko.

Answer: 350

Crested geckos are nocturnal, so they usually hunt during the night. When keeping a crested gecko as a pet, although they see much better in the dark, a dim light will be needed for the enclosure so the gecko knows when it is time to sleep. A crested gecko's eyes are orange or rust-coloured in the irises, and somewhat resemble marble.

Answer: Leopard gecko

Unlike the crested, and most other geckos, leopard geckos have eyelids and can blink. Like the crested gecko, the leopard gecko can lose its tail. Unlike the crested gecko, the leopard gecko can regrow its tail.