Base Pattern
First up is the base pattern—think of it as their outfit. Whether they are rocking stripes like a tiny reptile tiger, sporting bold blotches like they are wearing gecko camo, or showing off snazzy bands, this is their "outfit" covering the body, especially down the back and sides. Its like the geckos personal runway from head to tail. You will spot these patterns strutting across their whole body, even down to their legs and tail. Stylish from head to toe (or tail!). The base pattern of our delightful gargoyle geckos is like their very own mood ring! Generally dressed in a stunning black or dark brown, these little creatures show off their colors in different ways, depending on how fired up they are. When they're feeling extra vibrant, their pigments shine at their brightest, but when they are more relaxed, those colors can become muted or even vanish. We love to categorize these patterns into two main groups: Striped and Reticulated, with some fabulous variations like Super Stripe, Banded, Mosaic, and Mottled!
Striped
Stripes are like little fashion statements running down the length of our geckos bodies! These stripes can be solid or sport a fun, broken pattern, giving each gecko its own unique look. Even mottled patterns that resemble stripes can count! In our experience, stripes are often the more dominant trait, so they are quite the trendsetters in the gecko world. Just remember, not every gecko with color bars is a super stripe; we are focusing on the base patterns here!
Super Stripe
Now, lets talk about the Super Stripe—these geckos are the stars of the show! They flaunt their stripes all over, including their limbs and tails, creating a dazzling display. While their stripes might have a little bit of flair and be slightly broken, they still look fabulous. A super stripe usually boasts four to six sets of these stunning patterns, with a bold dorsal stripe running along the tail. But, just to clarify, the thickness of the mid-dorsal stripe is not the only thing that qualifies a gecko as a super stripe!
Reticulated
The Reticulated pattern is all about artistic flair! Picture a canvas of random, beautifully abstract designs spreading across the geckos body. The markings are varied, without any strict rules, giving each gecko its own special look. This pattern is reminiscent of the “wild type” style that was once quite common, but nowadays, striped beauties are also making their mark!
Banded
Next up is the Banded pattern! Think of it as a stylish remix of the reticulated look, where bands create a bit of predictable magic over the top. These bands usually start from the midpoint on the back and gracefully cascade down the sides. If the pattern remains cohesive, it is still classified as banded. We also love to call particularly clean banded geckos “alterna,” named after the gorgeous Gray-Banded Kingsnake!
Mosaic
Now for something extra special—the Mosaic pattern! This rare beauty combines elements of stripes and reticulated patterns in the most whimsical way. Picture bold markings dancing randomly across the gecko, creating a delightful visual surprise. Mosaics can be found more frequently in stripe-based geckos, but they can also pop up in reticulated ones. We are excited to see more mosaic hatchlings as we breed these enchanting creatures!!
Mottled
the Mottled pattern, a charming blend that leans toward a reticulated look but maintains a bit of uniformity. It is not quite full banding, but it is also not completely random—think of it as the shy cousin of the banded pattern! With synonyms like streaked, marbled, dappled, stippled, and flecked, this pattern adds a touch of elegance to the mix. Though we have not spotted many strong examples, each one is a true gem!
Blotch
Blotch, blotch, hooray! This pattern features fun patches of color over a reticulated or banded base. It is like a splash of paint on a masterpiece! The splotches follow the base patterns—like a canvas of color swirls, especially on banded geckos. On striped critters, it is more like partial bars trying to join the fun. Each blotch tells a story, and every gecko is a work of art!
Super Blotch
Super Blotch to the rescue! This bold pattern takes blotching to the next level, covering a bigger portion of our fabulous geckos. The excitement builds as these color patches expand, creating a vivid spectacle. While there is no set percentage, one thing's for sure: these guys get even more colorful as they grow up, making them the ultimate show-stoppers in any terrarium!
Dorsal Blotching & Skeleton
Get ready for some dorsal drama! This cool pattern features a stripe of blotching that follows the spine, giving our geckos a unique flair. Think of it as a funky hairstyle that everyone admires! When combined with color banding, I affectionately refer to this combo as “skeleton.” It is like Halloween for your gecko—spook-tacular and ready to party!
Pattern Color
Now, for the stripe lovers out there, we have got three fabulous locations where colors like to hang out, known as bars! First up, the dorsal bar, which cozies up along the spine—like a fashionable belt! Next, we have the side bar, slightly more laid back, lounging a bit away from the spine but still making a statement. And lets not forget the lateral bar, proudly displayed on the side, often called the “lats” because, hey, why not give it a nickname?
Red
Orange
Red and Orange (Bacon)
White
Yellow
Black
Background Color
Lets dive into the fabulous world of background colors! Think of the background color as the geckos daily outfit choice—sometimes subtle, sometimes fierce, and always mood-dependent. When they are “fired up,” it is like they are ready to hit the red carpet; when they are “fired down,” they are in full chill mode.
Red
The drama queen of backgrounds! When fired up, these geckos rock a bold red look that screams confidence. When they are feeling a little more low-key, they turn a gentle pink. Dont expect this dramatic flair to show up until they are about 6-10 months old though—it is a slow burn. From rusty reds to deep crimson, theres a whole range of red variants. And if its too rusty, it is more of a “red with a twist of brown” than a true red. But hey, every gecko has its own style!
Pink
Pink is like reds more delicate cousin. These geckos keep it soft and sweet—firing down into a pale pink or near-white and only managing a light pink even when fully fired up. Dont expect these little guys to go red though—they are true to their soft pink vibes, and their red eye-rings add just the right pop of color. Not everyone is into pink, but the ones who are? Absolutely fabulous.
Orange
Orange background geckos are like the wildcards of the group. They are rare, but they shine bright! People often confuse them with red, but a quick look at their belly will reveal their true citrusy nature. They are like geckos with a permanent sunset glow.
Yellow
Yellow geckos are sneaky—they look their best when they are chilling out. When fired down, their yellow is bright and sunny, but when fired up? They sometimes blend in with shades of brown, like they have just come back from a muddy adventure. Still, when fully grown, they are a sight to behold—like a tiny, walking ray of sunshine!
White
The true black-and-white beauties are the rarest of the bunch. When fired up, they are crisp and clear—black patterns on a white background. But when they fire down, they turn all ghostly, like they have faded into the mist! If theres even a hint of brown in the mix when fired up, sorry, no ghost status for you!
Brown
Brown backgrounds are like the geckos comfy sweater—common, cozy, and not always the star of the show. These geckos often have a hint of yellow when fired down, but when fired up, they are rocking that earthy, warm brown. Sometimes, there is a hint of rusty red, but make no mistake—it is more brown than red. They might not be the most flashy, but hey, every gecko has its charm!
