If you are a fan of crested geckos, you may have heard of the Lilly White gecko, a stunning and rare gecko morph that has taken the reptile world by storm. But what exactly is a Lilly White crested gecko, and what makes it so special? In this blog post, we will explore the history, genetics, appearance, breeding, care, and price of this amazing gecko morph.
Introduction
Crested geckos are one of the most popular pet reptiles in the world. They are easy to care for, have a wide variety of colors and patterns, and have a charming personality. Crested geckos are also known for their ability to produce new and exciting morphs, which are variations in their appearance due to genetic mutations.
One of the most recent and remarkable morphs is the Lilly gecko, which was first discovered in 2012. The Lilly White crested gecko has a unique trait that causes it to develop large patches of white on its body and head. These white patches contrast beautifully with the base color of the gecko, creating a stunning visual effect.
History of the Lilly White Crested Gecko
The origin of the Lilly White crested gecko is a fascinating story. It all started when a breeder in England named Nick Lumb bought a pair of crested geckos from another breeder. He noticed that one of the geckos had a small white spot on its head, which he thought was unusual but not significant. He named the gecko Lilly and bred her with another normal-looking gecko.
To his surprise, some of the offspring from this pairing had more white spots than their mother. He realized that he had stumbled upon a new genetic trait that was inherited by some of the offspring. He decided to name the trait Lilly White after his original female gecko.
Nick Lumb contacted another breeder in England named Lilly Exotics, who specialized in crested geckos. He offered to sell them some of his Lilly White offspring for further breeding and research. Lilly Exotics agreed and bought several Lilly Whites from Nick Lumb. They also started their own breeding program with the new trait and produced more Lilly Whites with different base colors and patterns.
Lilly Exotics was the first to introduce the Lilly gecko to the public in 2014. They showcased their amazing collection of Lilly Whites at reptile shows and online forums. The response from the reptile community was overwhelming. Everyone wanted to get their hands on a Lilly White crested gecko.
Since then, the Lilly White trait has spread to other breeders around the world, who have continued to produce more variations and combinations of this stunning morph. However, due to its rarity and high demand, the Lilly White crested gecko remains one of the most expensive and sought-after crested geckos in the market.
Understanding the Lilly White Trait
The Lilly White trait is a genetic mutation that affects how pigment is distributed in the skin cells of crested geckos. Normally, pigment cells (called melanophores) are evenly distributed throughout the skin, giving it a uniform color. However, in Lilly Whites, some of these pigment cells are absent or reduced in certain areas of the skin, creating white patches that lack pigment.
The Lilly White trait is inherited as an incomplete dominant gene. This means that there are three possible genotypes for this trait: LL (homozygous dominant), Ll (heterozygous), and ll (homozygous recessive). A homozygous dominant gecko has two copies of the Lilly White gene and will always show the trait. A heterozygous gecko has one copy of the Lilly White gene and one copy of the normal gene and will also show the trait. A homozygous recessive gecko has two copies of the normal gene and will not show the trait.
The incomplete dominance of the Lilly White gene also means that there is variation in how much white is expressed in each individual gecko. Some Lilly Whites have more white than others, depending on how many pigment cells are affected by the mutation. The amount of white can also change over time as the gecko grows and sheds its skin.
What Does a Lilly White Crested Gecko Look Like?
A Lilly White crested gecko is characterized by having large patches of white on its body and head. The white patches can cover up to 80% or more of the gecko’s surface area. The white patches are usually symmetrical and can form different shapes and patterns on each individual gecko.
The white patches are not albino, meaning they are not completely devoid of pigment. They still have some pigment cells that give them a slight cream or yellow tint. The white patches can also have some spots or speckles of the base color, creating a mosaic effect.
The base color of the gecko can be any of the normal crested gecko colors, such as red, orange, yellow, green, brown, or black. The base color can also have different patterns, such as pinstripes, harlequin, dalmatian, or flame. The base color and pattern will influence how the white patches look on the gecko.
The eyes of a Lilly White crested gecko can also vary in color and pattern. Some Lilly Whites have solid black eyes, while others have red or orange eyes. Some Lilly Whites have normal eye patterns, while others have snake eyes or eclipse eyes.
A Lilly White crested gecko will change its appearance from hatchling to adult. As a hatchling, a Lilly White may not show much white at all. The white patches will develop and grow as the gecko matures and sheds its skin. The base color and pattern may also change over time, becoming darker or lighter, more or less saturated, or more or less contrasted.
Lilly Whites and Base Colors
The base color of a Lilly White crested gecko is determined by the genes that are inherited from the parents. The base color can be any of the normal crested gecko colors, such as red, orange, yellow, green, brown, or black. However, some base colors are more common than others in Lilly Whites.
The most common base color for Lilly Whites is red. This is because red is a dominant gene in crested geckos and is easily passed on to the offspring. Red also contrasts well with the white patches, creating a striking visual effect.
Other common base colors for Lilly Whites are orange and yellow. These colors are also dominant genes and are often found in combination with red. Orange and yellow also complement the white patches well, creating a warm and bright appearance.
Less common base colors for Lilly Whites are green, brown, and black. These colors are recessive genes and are harder to pass on to the offspring. Green, brown, and black also blend in more with the white patches, creating a more subtle and muted appearance.
However, any base color can look beautiful on a Lilly White crested gecko. The base color can also have different patterns that add more variety and interest to the gecko’s appearance.
Breeding Lilly White Crested Geckos
Breeding Lilly White crested geckos is an exciting and rewarding experience. However, it also requires some knowledge and planning to ensure the health and quality of the offspring.
The first thing to consider when breeding Lilly Whites is the genetics of the parents. As mentioned earlier, the Lilly White trait is inherited as an incomplete dominant gene. This means that there are three possible genotypes for this trait: LL (homozygous dominant), Ll (heterozygous), and ll (homozygous recessive).
The genotype of the parents will determine the possible outcomes of their offspring. For example:
- If both parents are homozygous dominant (LL x LL), all of their offspring will be homozygous dominant (LL) and show the Lilly White trait.
- If both parents are heterozygous (Ll x Ll), 25% of their offspring will be homozygous dominant (LL), 50% will be heterozygous (Ll), and 25% will be homozygous recessive (ll). All of these offspring will show the Lilly White trait except for the homozygous recessive ones.
- If one parent is homozygous dominant and one parent is heterozygous (LL x Ll), 50% of their offspring will be homozygous dominant (LL) and 50% will be heterozygous (Ll). All of these offspring will show the Lilly White trait.
- If one parent is homozygous dominant and one parent is homozygous recessive (LL x ll), all of their offspring will be heterozygous (Ll) and show the Lilly White trait.
- If one parent is heterozygous and one parent is homozygous recessive (Ll x ll), 50% of their offspring will be heterozygous (Ll) and show the Lilly White trait and 50% will be homozygous recessive (ll) and not show the trait.
- If both parents are homozygous recessive (ll x ll), all of their offspring will be homozygous recessive (ll) and not show the trait.
Caring for a Lilly White Crested Gecko
Lilly White geckos have the same basic care requirements as any other crested gecko. They need a well-ventilated enclosure with plenty of hiding places, climbing branches, and live plants. They also need a humid environment with a temperature range of 72-82°F and a night drop of 10°F. They should be misted daily to provide drinking water and humidity, and fed a balanced diet of commercial crested gecko food and occasional insects.
However, there are some special considerations for Lilly Whites that you should be aware of. Lilly White geckos are more prone to stress than other morphs, and may lose their appetite or drop their tails if they feel threatened or disturbed. Therefore, you should handle them gently and infrequently, and avoid exposing them to loud noises or bright lights. You should also monitor their weight and health regularly, and consult a reptile vet if you notice any signs of illness or injury.
Another thing to keep in mind is that Lilly White geckos may change their color and pattern as they grow. This is because they have a unique genetic trait that causes them to produce more white pigment as they age. Some Lilly Whites may develop more white spots or patches, while others may turn completely white. This can affect their value and appearance, so you should be prepared for this possibility if you buy a Lilly White hatchling.
Buying a Lilly White Crested Gecko
If you are interested in buying a Lilly White crested gecko, there are some factors to consider before you make your purchase. First of all, you should do your research and learn as much as you can about this morph and its history. Lilly White geckos were first produced by Nick Lumb of Lilly Exotics in the UK in 2012, and are the result of a spontaneous mutation in a normal crested gecko. Since then, they have been bred by other breeders around the world, but they are still very rare and expensive.
Secondly, you should be aware of the price ranges and where to buy a Lilly White gecko. Depending on the quality, age, sex, and lineage of the gecko, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000 for a Lilly White. You can find them online from reputable breeders or at reptile shows and expos. However, you should be careful and avoid buying from unscrupulous sellers who may try to scam you or sell you unhealthy or mislabeled animals. You should always ask for proof of genetics, health certificates, and guarantees before you buy.
Thirdly, you should be prepared to provide proper care and housing for your Lilly White gecko. As we mentioned earlier, Lilly Whites are more sensitive than other morphs and require more attention and care. You should also have a suitable enclosure ready for your new pet before you bring it home. A 20-gallon tall tank with a screen lid is recommended for one adult gecko, but you can use a smaller tank for a hatchling or juvenile. You should also have all the necessary supplies such as substrate, decor, lighting, heating, misting system, food, water dishes, etc.
Conclusion
Lilly White crested geckos are one of the most beautiful and sought-after morphs in the reptile hobby. They have stunning white markings that contrast with their base color and pattern. They are also very rare and expensive due to their genetic mutation and limited availability. However, they are not for everyone. They require more care and attention than other morphs, and they may change their appearance as they grow older. If you decide to buy a Lilly White gecko, you should do your homework and find a reputable breeder who can provide you with a healthy and quality animal.
We hope this article has given you some useful information about breeding two Lilly Whites and caring for and buying a Lilly White crested gecko. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. We would love to hear from you!
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about Lilly White crested geckos:
What are the best colors and patterns for Lilly Whites?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as different people may have different preferences and opinions. However, some of the most popular colors and patterns for Lilly Whites are reds, oranges, yellows, pinstripes, harlequins, and dalmatians. These colors and patterns tend to contrast well with the white markings and create a striking appearance.
How can I tell if my Lilly White is male or female?
You can tell the sex of your Lilly White by looking at its vent area. Males have two bulges on either side of the vent, called hemipenal bulges, that indicate the presence of their reproductive organs. Females do not have these bulges, and their vent area is more smooth and flat. However, you may not be able to tell the sex of your Lilly White until it is at least 6 months old, as some males may not develop their bulges until then.
Can I breed my Lilly White with another morph?
Yes, you can breed your Lilly White with another morph of crested gecko, as long as they are both healthy and compatible. However, you should be aware that the offspring may not inherit the Lilly White trait, as it is a recessive gene that requires both parents to carry it. The chances of producing a Lilly White offspring from a Lilly White parent and a non-Lilly White parent are 50%, while the chances of producing a Lilly White offspring from two non-Lilly White parents who both carry the gene are 25%. You should also be careful not to breed your Lilly White with a close relative, as this may increase the risk of genetic defects and health problems.