Lilly White Crested Gecko: Complete Care Guide and Breeding Tips

Lilly White Crested Gecko

Lilly White Crested Geckos have become one of the most sought-after morphs among reptile enthusiasts, admired for their striking appearance and genetic uniqueness. Known for their stunning white and creamy colors, these geckos have captivated the hearts of many, making them a top choice for both beginner and experienced reptile owners. In this article, we’ll explore everything there is to know about the Lilly White Crested Gecko, from its appearance to breeding practices, care guidelines, and beyond.

Whether you’re a reptile enthusiast or considering adding a Lilly White Crested Gecko to your collection, this guide will provide the in-depth knowledge you need. We’ll dive into the morph’s appearance, genetics, breeding practices, and care, helping you understand how to properly care for this beautiful species.

Lilly White Crested Gecko Appearance

The Lilly White Crested Gecko is known for its breathtaking appearance, featuring a high level of white and cream coloration. This morph’s primary visual trait is its striking bright white and cream body, often covering most of its body, including the tail, which is solid white from base to tip. Over time, the coloration may become even brighter as the gecko matures, adding to its allure.

Eyes: One of the most notable features of the Lilly White Crested Gecko is its silvery grey eyes. These eyes, along with the gecko’s white skin, make it a visually captivating species.

Flank and Belly: The flank area of the gecko tends to have raised scales that are often white or cream in color. The belly shows an increase in white/cream coloring as the gecko ages.

Skin Texture: Compared to other Crested Geckos, the Lilly White morph has softer skin that feels more velvet-like to the touch. This distinctive texture enhances its tactile appeal.

Lilly White Crested Gecko Genetics & Inheritance

The Lilly White Crested Gecko carries a unique genetic trait that sets it apart from other Crested Geckos. The trait is co-dominant, meaning it is not fully dominant, but it can be passed on to offspring when bred with other geckos possessing the trait.

The Lilly White gene is a form of leucism, a genetic mutation that results in a significant reduction in melanin. This reduction gives the gecko its striking white and cream color. However, a more extreme version of the gene, when two Lilly Whites are bred together, can result in a “super” form. These super forms, however, are often not viable, as the lack of melanin can cause developmental issues, leading to fatal outcomes.

Issues with Super Form: Breeding two Lilly Whites together can result in a super form, which is an all-white gecko. Unfortunately, these geckos often fail to thrive, experiencing difficulties with breathing and eating due to the lack of melanin, which is crucial for proper organ development.

Lilly White Crested Gecko History

The Lilly White Crested Gecko was first discovered by breeder Nick Lumb of Lilly Exotics in the United Kingdom in 2010. The first gecko with the distinctive white and creamy coloration was born from a hatchling that stood out among others. Nick Lumb bred this unique gecko with several females, confirming that the trait was genetic and could be passed to offspring.

Over time, the trait was carefully bred, leading to the establishment of this now-popular morph. While many breeders were initially excited about the potential of creating more visually stunning geckos, experiments involving the super form—breeding two Lilly Whites together—led to the realization that these geckos often do not survive. As a result, breeders now avoid pairing two visual Lilly Whites together.

Lilly White Crested Gecko Breeding & Trait Combinations

Breeding Lilly White Crested Geckos offers opportunities to create geckos with unique and desirable traits. The Lilly White gene can be combined with other traits to produce a variety of stunning color patterns and morphs.

• Base Colors: Lilly Whites can be bred with various base colors, including red, yellow, brown, black, and orange, which will influence the offspring’s appearance. For example, pairing a Lilly White with a Super Dalmatian (heavily spotted gecko) may result in offspring that have a blend of orange and cream, rather than the typical spotted patterns.

• Genetic Combinations: The Lilly White gene can be combined with other morphs, such as tangerine, lavender, and even axanthic (a trait that washes out patterns). These combinations can produce geckos with striking new appearances, including various color intensities, body patterns, and more.

• Super Dalmatian Influence: Breeding Lilly Whites with Super Dalmatians might result in offspring with orange and cream coloring, as predicted by Nick Lumb, the breeder behind the Lilly White morph.

Lilly White Crested Gecko Care Guide

Proper care is essential for maintaining the health and well-being of your Lilly White Crested Gecko. Here’s what you need to know about their habitat, diet, and health maintenance:

Habitat and Tank Setup

• Tank Size: A 20-gallon glass terrarium is ideal for an adult Lilly White Crested Gecko. Make sure the tank has proper ventilation for airflow.

• Substrate: Use sphagnum moss, coconut, or moss as the substrate. Avoid sand, as it can cause impaction.

• Temperature & Humidity: Maintain a temperature gradient between 72°F to 80°F, with humidity ranging from 60% to 80%. A hygrometer is recommended to monitor humidity.

• Lighting: As nocturnal animals, Lilly White Crested Geckos do not need UVB light, though a 5% UVB light may be offered.

Feeding

Lilly White Crested Geckos are omnivores and thrive on a diet that includes a mix of insects, fruits, and commercial food. Their diet should consist of:

• Insects: 75% of their diet, including gut-loaded insects like crickets and roaches.

• Fruits: 25% of their diet, including bananas, peaches, mangoes, and pears.

• Supplements: Dust insects with calcium and vitamin D3 supplements to ensure proper nutrition.

Health Maintenance

• Common Health Issues: Lilly White Crested Geckos are prone to mouth rot (stomatitis), respiratory infections, and skin complaints due to parasites. Ensure the gecko’s enclosure is clean and the humidity and temperature are appropriately regulated to avoid shedding issues.

Lilly White Crested Gecko Breeding

Breeding Lilly White Crested Geckos can be a rewarding experience, but it requires careful planning and understanding of the species’ unique genetics.

• Sexual Maturity: Males reach sexual maturity at about 9 months, while females mature around 12 months.

• Clutch Size: Each clutch typically consists of two eggs, which take 60 to 90 days to hatch.

• Breeding Environment: A moist environment with a 4-inch layer of substrate in the nest box is crucial for breeding success.

To avoid the fatal super form, it is recommended to pair a Lilly White with a non-Lilly White gecko. This will result in a healthy mix of Lilly White and non-Lilly White offspring.

Conclusion

The Lilly White Crested Gecko is a visually stunning and unique morph that has captured the attention of reptile enthusiasts. Whether you’re considering adding one to your collection or simply fascinated by their genetics and appearance, the Lilly White Crested Gecko offers a remarkable combination of beauty and personality. With proper care and breeding practices, these geckos can be a healthy and long-lasting companion.

If you’re interested in learning more about the care of other reptiles, such as Bearded Dragons, check out our guide on Bearded Dragons and their diet.