Common Terminology, Cultural Differences, and the Tricolor in Crested Geckos
If you’ve been into crested geckos for a long time, you’re probably familiar with commonly used terms like “lateral,” “crown,” and “wall”. These expressions often come up when describing traits. For example, people might say, “This gecko has high white wall on the laterals,” or “This gecko has a full pinstripe that extends to the crown.”
As a Korean gecko enthusiast who has lived in the U.S. for many years, I’ve come to understand and use terminology from both cultures. Through this experience, I’ve noticed that while many of the concepts are similar, the way they’re described can differ depending on whether you’re in the East or the West. Of course, there are also terms that overlap perfectly.
Today, I’d like to break down and compare these terms to show how they’re used differently in each culture—especially between the U.S. and Korea.
U.S.-Based Terminology
Since most visitors to our site are from the U.S., let’s begin with some common American expressions, accompanied by photos for better understanding.
Pin:
The "pin" refers to the raised crest that runs along both sides of a crested gecko’s dorsal ridge. When the color along this area is continuous, it's referred to as a "full pinstripe."
Crown:
If the crest on the head is accented by a light-colored stripe or pattern, it's said to have a “crown,” because it resembles a little crown resting on the gecko's head.
Lateral:
“Lateral” simply means the sides of the gecko’s body. In the U.S., this is often divided into upper, mid, and lower lateral sections. Sometimes, people use the term more generally—for example: “This gecko has high white wall on the laterals,” or “The coverage goes up into the upper lateral area.”
Fringe:
Fringe describes a creamy or off-white line that runs along the back of the hind limbs. It’s often seen in geckos with tricolor or WP traits and adds a striking visual detail.
At first, these terms might seem confusing, but as the photos show, they’re simply ways of dividing the gecko’s body into recognizable sections, just like how a butcher labels different cuts of beef.
Korean Terminology and Interpretation
While “crown” and “pin” are used identically in Korea and the U.S., the concept of the “lateral” is where we start to see a cultural distinction.
In Korea, people tend to describe lateral coloration using a system of Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary traits—or 1st, 2nd, and 3rd.
Primary: The darkest area right below the pin.
Secondary: A layer of brighter color (often orange or red) that appears above the primary area.
Tertiary: The white coloration at the outermost section of the lateral.
Anyone who has raised crested geckos from hatchlings knows how much their appearance can change as they grow.
Often, only the primary and secondary colors are visible in juveniles, while the tertiary (white) fills in later. In many cases, secondary colors also spread upward into the primary areas as the gecko matures.
My personal theory is that this terminology came about to describe the order in which these colors appear and develop: the base (primary), the spreading overlay (secondary), and the finishing layer (tertiary).
Tricolor Morph – A Perfect Case Study for Traits
When it comes to describing traits, the tricolor morph offers a perfect example because of its clear visual contrast.
In both the U.S. and Korea, more white coverage typically indicates a higher-quality tricolor. If a gecko displays high white into the lower lateral (or tertiary region in Korean terms), it's considered more desirable—and harder to produce. Naturally, this also drives up its value.
When the secondary color is bold and vibrant, many people also find that visually appealing, and this too can influence pricing.
Taste, Trends, and Cultural Preference
I used to wonder: “Why is this tricolor gecko $100 while that one is $1,000?” So I started asking breeders.
The answer was always the same: Breeder preference and buyer taste.
Some breeders evaluate quality based on scale texture and firmness ( Rough scale) combined with white coverage. Others prioritize color vibrancy or the contrast between the three tones. Everyone has their own standard.
When a certain breeder’s standards align with the broader market trend, demand for that style of gecko increases—so does the price. That’s just basic supply and demand.
The Fun of Cultural Differences
To me, these cultural differences are fascinating. It’s incredible that people around the world can view and interpret the same species in such different ways.
The trends vary from country to country, and so do the words we use—but in the end, high-quality tricolors share very similar visual traits across cultures.