Exploring the Margin Project

Introduction

Margin has rapidly captured attention and admiration, particularly following the unveiling of our gecko, Chaos, in late 2022. While this striking characteristic had quietly existed within the hobby for some time, it wasn’t until late 2023 that AC Reptiles officially coined the term “Margin.” This gave the trait a name to match its visual impact.

A Brief History of our Margin Project

In 2018, we introduced a Lilly White gecko from Lilly Exotics—the original source of the Lilly White gene—into our collection. That gecko, which would come to be known as Jack Frost, quietly became the foundation of what would later evolve into the Margin Project. By the 2020 breeding season, he had been paired with several females, producing standout offspring for various projects, most importantly, for this one. Among them were two key holdbacks: a hypo yellow Lilly White male named Aragorn, and a female we named Galadriel.

In 2022, Aragorn was paired with Ultra, a female of unknown lineage. From that pairing came Chaos, along with numerous other offspring displaying the distinctive “Margin” characteristic.

Since then, we’ve continued to raise Chaos’s siblings and half-siblings, steadily refining the project with each new generation.

To further expand and strengthen the line, we’ve introduced new bloodlines from respected breeders including Northern Gecko, AC Reptiles, Enso Reptiles, and Tikis Geckos. As the project has matured, so has its potential—and we’re continually inspired by the role it may play in shaping the future of the crested gecko hobby.

What is Margin?

Margin is characterized by a distinct, dark edging along the inner line of the dorsal, often appearing as a concentrated patch of pigment at the nape of the neck. In standout examples like Chaos, the trait extends into bold, dark lines that run from the top of the head down the full length of the dorsal, dramatically enhancing contrast and definition.

This sharp outlining creates a striking visual that immediately draws the eye. While Margin may appear subtle in some individuals, in high-quality specimens it can be bold and unmistakable.

Importantly, the Margin trait appears to rely on the presence of phantom for expression. Without phantom, the trait does not present—making it an essential component in producing Margin geckos. Pinstripe is not required, though it often helps refine the appearance by “cleaning up” the darkened sections, adding a polished look to the overall pattern.

Building a Breeder Community

As Margin continues to evolve, so does its role in uniting breeders around curiosity, collaboration, and innovation. By openly sharing pairings, lineage insights, and developmental progress, we aim to contribute to a more informed and connected gecko community. Margin is not just a phenotype—it’s become a talking point, a passion, and a shared pursuit among those eager to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the hobby.

As a breeder, I’m committed to uplifting this community through education and transparency. Whether it’s project updates, honest discussions about genetics, or providing visual references for trait development, my goal is to help others explore with clarity and confidence. When breeders work together with intention and integrity, we all benefit—and so does the future of the crested gecko hobby.

Conclusion

As Margin continues to prove its consistency and visual impact, its potential within the crested gecko hobby is becoming more apparent with each season. With its bold display and crisp contrast, Margin could pair beautifully with other genes—amplifying the color and pattern in new and exciting ways.

As breeders begin to explore these combinations, we anticipate a gradual but steady rise in both recognition and demand.

This isn’t just a passing trend—Margin’s ability to enhance other traits while maintaining its own standout identity makes it a powerful tool for future breeding projects. We’re excited to keep exploring its potential and watching how it influences the next generation of crested geckos.