There are 39 species of reptiles whose ranges include at least parts of the state of West Virginia, USA.With 20 species of snakes, 13 turtle species, and 6 lizard species, the state's reptile diversity is high. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. The lizard steers and brakes with its tail. Skink The Skink is a very diverse type of Lizard species with a huge number of sub species. They are distinguished with their unique chirping sounds which they use to communicate. of Species: 12 speciesMost popular species: Common collared lizard and Eastern collared lizard. Common collared lizard and Eastern collared lizard. Red Worm Lizard. Sub-order Lacertilia. In general, lizards have a small head, short neck, and long body and tail. Varanidae are large, with long necks, powerful tail and claws they use to tear flesh and dig burrows.Geographical range: Africa, South and South-East Asia, Indo-Australian islands and Australia Habitat: Deserts, tropical rain forests, coastal areas, mountains.Diet: Carnivorous.No. of Species: 1200Most popular species: Eastern blue-tongued lizard. Geographical range: Africa, Madagascar, Spain, Portugal, South Asia. It is estimated that about 6 - 10 million species of insects exist on the Earth, some of which are…. Most species have elongated bodies, no pronounced neck and their legs are relatively small. In addition, the fat stored in a female's tail appears to be important in yolk production; individuals lacking tails produce eggs with lower mass and less energy, and the offspring survive less well. Description: The family consists of venomous lizards, however the venom is only used in defense and not for subduing prey. Some have even been witnessed showing aggressive behavior to their reflections in mirrors. Lizards. Distinct colors, aside from simply being interesting, like having a blue tongue, a bright red dewlap, or yellow spots, may help lizards identify each other and even communicate. This color change plays a part in communication and reproductive behavior. Description: The species in this family are fast-moving lizards, with long limbs and tails. With a body structure similar to that of a house lizard, geckos come in different colors and patterns. Interesting Fact: When fighting for a mate, these lizards stand high on all fours, usually sideways to their opponent to maximize their apparent size and bob up and down. Description: Agamids, commonly known as dragons or dragon lizards, are one of the most widely spread lizards in the world. Anoles have great vision, and so will also deploy a variety of body gestures for courtship or for defending their territory. The family is diverse with hundreds of species. This is present only in males. The only things that identifies these reptiles as lizards is the shape of their head and the fact that they have movable eyelids and external ear openings. They can be found in many sizes, (5 in. The common lizard is variable in colour, but is usually brownish-grey, often with rows of darker spots or stripes down the back and sides. Charbroiled tail of iguana can also be found. Otherwise, mating and finding a good spot to lay eggs is considered a job well-done. Certain species eat insects, others fruit, and still others prey on small mammals.They come in all colors and sizes, and are equipped with innovative methods of defense, reproduction, and predation. Losing a tail, though it may save the clever creature's life, is not without costs. Description: Chameleons are one of the most recognized lizard species in the world. of Species: 200+Most popular species: Italian wall lizard. Interesting Fact: Males, in some species of Agamids, develop dramatically colorful markings on the body during breeding season. Sometimes such behavior can leave posturing lizards vulnerable to vigilant predators. Except for the Komodo dragon, no lizard species is harmful to humans. This is a list of Texas reptiles, including all snakes, lizards, crocodilians, and turtles native to the state of Texas.. Their color, size and diet varies according to different geographical terrains. Sub-order Lacertilia. The slow movements and the accurate aim of the long tongue makes them successful hunters. The Gecko is the only lizard and reptile that speaks or barks. Lizards are reptiles with (usually) four legs and a tail. Collared lizards are known to be aggressive and they eat other species of lizards. Click to Learn More About Lizards of North Carolina North Carolina is home to 12 species of lizards (Order Squamata, Suborder Lacertilia), none of which are dangerous. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Basilisks are great runners. Description: Blind lizards have no external ears, the eyes are greatly reduced, and covered by a scale. Interesting Fact: Many people confuse blind lizards to worms. The "horned devil lizard" shoots blood from its eyes to scare away predators. They are cold-blooded, getting all of their heating from the environment (the sun) which can be deadly during cold spells. If observed closely they have eyelids which distinguishes them from snakes (which don’t have eyelids). Chuckwallas are rock dwellers in the Southwest USA and Mexico. They all possess well-developed limbs. The most common are the blue-tongued skink, five-lined skink, great desert skink, emerald tree skink, and snake-eyed skink. Its teeth are compressed with sharp edges, resembling those of sharks. Many species are well known for their specialized toe pads that enable them to climb smooth and vertical surfaces, and even cross indoor ceilings with ease. Most species in the family sport green color, however few of them are brown. Being omnivorous, these lizards quickly adapt and are commonly traded in pet shops as exotic lizards. - Tokay Gecko. However, with their large size and speed, they can cover ground far faster and get past tougher obstacles than most other lizards. of Species: 7Most popular species: Chinese crocodile lizard. Studies show that DNA of the two families split some millions years back, making them two different species. They can dive as deep as 50 feet (15m) underwater to feed on algae. Description: Spectacled lizards are generally small lizards with most species having reduced limbs, however, mostly the hind limbs are reduced or absent, rather than the forelimbs. The wings are brightly colored and for this reason they are also called the "butterfly lizard". They are considered relatively easy to care for, and will usually thrive if provided with a lizard cage , fresh lizard food , water, fruit, and a basking area. Agamids, commonly known as dragons or dragon lizards, are one of the most widely spread lizards in the world. Each of them has unique characteristics with regards to their food, habitat and self-defense. Five-lined Skink ; Salamanders. Very limited studies have been done on this family of lizards.Geographical range: Central and South America.Habitat: Tropical forests.Diet: Worms crickets and other small insects.No. The marine iguana of the Galapagos Islands may win the vegetarian prize for their deep diving efforts to find plant material. These are the lizards that display their dewlap, the bright orange-red throat fan, when they feel threatened by you, or when flirting with a female. Africa, South and South-East Asia, Indo-Australian islands and Australia. Red-Eyed Crocodile Skink. A wall of connective tissue or cartilage passes through each such vertebra, making a weak point, where muscles and blood connections are also modified to allow an easy break. of Species: 9Most popular species: Common basilisk and Brown basilisk. Virginia Wildlife Action Plan Rating Tier IV - Moderate Conservation Need - The species may be rare in parts of its range, particularly on the periphery.Populations of these species have demonstrated a significant declining trend or one is suspected which, if continued, is likely to qualify this species for a higher tier in the foreseeable future. They are excellent swimmers and usually hunt small fish and water insects. Another family in this group is the Corytophanidae which consists of helmeted lizards found in the New World. There are currently over 4,675 lizard species, including iguanas, chameleons, geckos, Gila monsters, monitors, and skinks. Description: The family Anniellidae contains only two species in a single genus Anniella. Leopard Lizard The Leopard Lizard is one of the most unusually in terms of the colors on it. Lizards are reptiles with (usually) four legs and a tail. Encountering a dangerous predator, some lizards can voluntarily shed their tails into one or more pieces. Scincidae is the largest family of lizard and there are more than 600 identified types of the skink lizard. The most impressive predator would be the Komodo dragon, that is a scavenger as well as a predator, and can overtake goats and even water buffalo. Insects (larger species of chameleons might eat smaller lizards and young birds). The Red Ackie is larger than the other lizards on this list, usually growing to between 16-26 inches. Old-Man Lizard aka Casque-Head Lizard aka Hernandez's Helmeted Basilisk (Corytophanes Hernadezi) - Belize - Source: Kristiina Hurme, Yellow-spotted Night Lizard (Lepidopyma Flavimaculatum) - Belize - Source: Kristiina Hurme. They can even run fast enough to walk, or run really, on water. The heavy coat of plate like scales acts as an excellent armor, making them almost invulnerable to predators.Geographical range: Africa and Madagascar.Habitat: rocky crevices and sand dunes.Diet: Live crickets, small amounts fruits and vegetables.No. It is mainly used in defensive display. That makes them the largest group of reptiles with about 5000 species. Interesting Fact: Plated lizards make excellent pets as they are usually quite tame and docile. There are 2 species that are venomous, the gila monster and the Mexican beaded lizard. Lizards that bite humans are very rare, many lizards are suspicious and scared around humans. A List of 14 Types of Geckos with Stunning Pictures. Some species, like the Australian marbled gecko, is known to live longer when it has a tail. This information is gathered from the Amphibian and Reptile Atlas Project from 1990-1999. Lizard Species. Salamanders are amphibians. The diet of the desert horned lizard consists mainly of invertebrates, like crickets, beetles, flies, ants (including red harvester ants), grasshoppers, worms and a few types of vegetables found in in proximity to anthills. Chickens are one of the most popular domesticated animals in the world. Despite having a weird yet cute appearance, the Red-Eyed Crocodile Skink performs some unusual behaviors. The shapes, colours and mode of life of the region's lizards is diverse in the extreme. Geckos are creatures belonging to the reptile family. of Species: 1,500Most popular species: Gold dust day gecko and Leopard gecko. Common Iguanas are not bad swimmers. Also, since they don't need so much energy from food to heat themselves they can spend more time basking and taking in the sights. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Some skinks feed on plants and fruits. Insects are a group of organisms that possess maximum diversity. They have the most distinctive eyes of any reptile, they can focus separately to observe two different objects simultaneously. Many lizards are fearsome predators themselves, feeding on insects, birds and even mammals and other members of the reptile family. The Red Worm Lizard is a very elusive species, making it difficult for researchers to study its behavior. The Bearded Dragon is one of the most common lizard pets, along with iguanas. Researchers have now concluded that six… These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Some species have the ability to climb trees.Geographical range: India, China, Indonesian islands, North Africa, South-Eastern United States.Habitat: Wide range of habitat (desert, plains forest etc).Diet: Slugs, hairless caterpillars, earthworms, young rodents, and small reptiles.No. A closely related species, the Mexican beaded lizard (H. horridum), is slightly larger (to 80 cm [about 32 inches]) and darker than the Gila monster but otherwise similar in appearance.The species inhabits much of the Pacific coast of Mexico from the border between the states of Sinaloa and Sonora south to Mexico’s border with Guatemala. of Species: 67Most popular species: Komodo dragon and Monitor lizards. Interesting Fact: Average lifespan of an iguana in the wild is 20 years, however it is much shorter in captivity, since many owners do not have the appropriate knowledge to take care of iguanas. This has caused them to be referred to as the "Jesus Christ Lizard". Fact pages and pictures of curious creatures. The Red Ackie is larger than the other lizards on this list, usually growing to between 16-26 inches. Males are often looking to hold a nice territory for mating. Leopard Lizard The Leopard Lizard is one of the most unusually in terms of the colors on it. Connecticut is host to 12 species. Keep in mind that our list of lizards are sorted by their “Common Names.” You can see their binomial name in italic font in the description under the title. Interesting Fact: The tropical girdled lizard is exported from Tanzania and Mozambique for the pet trade. Territorial skirmishes are common among lizards and a number of body movements indicate territorial ownership or aggressive intent such as: color changes, body inflation, dewlap unfolding, push-ups, jaw-flapping, tail-waving and head-jerking. to 1 ft in length) and wide variety of colors. They are able to go months and even a year between meals. Iguanas consume a wide variety of plant material, especially as adults. They use their long tongue to clean their eyes and keep it dust-free. Like other members of genus Draco, this species has the ability to glide using winglike lateral extensions of skin called patagia. The state of Texas has a large variety of habitats, from swamps, coastal marshes and pine forests in the east, rocky hills and limestone karst in the center, desert in the south and west, mountains in the far west, and grassland prairie in the north. This defensive posture of the frilled lizard is intended to increase its apparent size and intimidate adversaries. Interesting Fact: Collared lizards get their name due to the distinctive black band on their neck and shoulder, which looks like a collar. Image: M. Betley We’re not sure if this is the male or female of the species, but the purple coloring turns this iguana into a beauty either way. They will actively hunt down Slugcat, as well as other creatures of similar size, such as Squidcadas, Scavengers, Centipedes, and even other lizards. Red lizards can climb poles, but they cannot climb on background elements. Like the anole, skink, gecko, and many other types of lizards, the Yellow Lizard is a popular choice of pet. Leopard geckos always appear to be smiling, this is not because they are always happy, but because the way their head and mouth is shaped. Lizards are a widespread group of squamate reptiles, with over 6,000 species, ranging across all continents except Antarctica, as well as most oceanic island chains. Geographical range: Mexico, SE Asia, Indonesia, the Philippine Islands and Western New Guinea.Habitat: Burrowing in the soil or under rocks of dense forest.Diet: Small insects.No. They are distinguished with their unique chirping sounds which they use to communicate. Many species are rare in the wild and are listed as vulnerable according to IUCN. Five-lined Skink ; Salamanders. Freshly killed prey is often held up for display alongside the highway by the hunters, in order to entice buyers. Interesting Fact: Komodo dragons are the biggest and heaviest lizards on Earth. Some of the species are well-known for sprinting fast on their hind legs, looking like small dinosaurs. 9. It also possesses a highly flexible skull that allows it to swallow big bites of flesh. A small percent (about 2 percent) of known species of lizards are primarily vegetarian. Interesting Fact: Chameleons are uniquely adapted for climbing and visual hunting. Geographical range: Panama to South Canada.Habitat: Hot, sandy deserts (rocky deserts in some cases)Diet: Ants, crickets, grasshoppers, beetles, worms, flies, and some plant material.No. Interesting Fact: The Chinese crocodile lizard gets its name because of the rows of enlarged, bony scales down its back and a muscular tail (like that of a crocodile). They’re one of the few lizard species that vocalize when they’re in distress. Body language is also a big part of mating rituals. There are various species of uromastyx – with various beautiful colorations. Geographical range: Australia, Central United States and South Asia.Habitat: Desert, mountains, grassland and burrows.Diet: Crickets, grasshoppers, beetles, caterpillars and small rodents.No. Description: Most lizards in this species are ground-dwelling. One lizard is venomous, most lizards are harmless, but all lizards are fascinating! Some species have no limbs at all. Prior to losing the tail, some, such as the Texas banded gecko, slowly wave the vertical tail in the air from one side to another. Rings of spines are present on the tail in many species, which is used for defensive purposes.Geographical range: Southern and Eastern Africa.Habitat: Crevices in rocky terrain, burrows and tree trunks.Diet: Insects.No. Night lizards have a flat head and body. Interesting Fact: Some species of anoles are very territorial. Diet. They’re also notorious for fainting or playing dead, even when being held! However, poor temperature control means they need to be active when the temperature is suitable and for this reason most are active during the day. There are a few species that may watch over their eggs. Other species change their diets as they grow and with the seasons to take advantage of the available food supply. Diet Many lizards are fearsome predators themselves, feeding on insects, birds … Interesting Fact: Madagascan iguanas have many features that are similar to normal Iguanas. Interesting Fact: It is a misconception that the blue-tongued skink is a venomous species of lizard. Reptiles have the following physical features: they have vertebrate, lungs, and scales or plates. The ends of each limb are often equipped with digits possessing adhesive pads. Draco volans, also commonly known as the common flying dragon, is a species of lizard in the family Agamidae.The species is endemic to Southeast Asia. The species in this family are fast-moving lizards, with long limbs and tails. Connecticut has only one! of Species: 1. 6 native species and 1 introduced/naturalized Unlike snakes, lizards have moveable eyelids, an external ear opening, two well-developed lungs, and a lower jaw that is fused, restricting the gape and limiting the size of prey that can be swallowed (Mitchell 1994). of Species: Disputed (39 recognized).Most popular species: Green iguana. Interesting Fact: Because of their appearance, legless lizards are often mistaken to be snakes. Superficially, lizards and salamanders are similar in appearance, however lizards have scales and small claws at the ends of their toes, while salamanders do not. This may be true for other short-lived species of lizards, especially when the probability of producing offspring is low. The tuatara has virtually remained the same for over 140 million years. The slender and small body of blind lizards, and the fact that they live underground most of the time, contributes to this confusion. After shedding a tail the a new one slowly grows back, but never quite the same as the original. They have walked the earth for some 200 million years. Different species can assume color combinations of purple, light blue, turquoise, blue, yellow, pink, orange, brown, red, black, and green. The earliest known fossil remains of a lizard is of an iguana species in India, the fossil is estimated to be around 220 million years old. Africa, Asia, Australia, Southern Europe. Blue-tongued skink only displays its prominent blue tongue to intimidate potential enemies or when disturbed. Most lizards in this family have adapted to desert and rocky conditions. These lizards have slender body, long tail and varied patterns and colors. The Tale of the Amazing Regenerating Tail. There are more than 5600 species of lizards found on Earth. Right off their perches. The species distribution maps show the known range of each species found in New York. This family has the largest living lizards. They are very rare, nocturnal animals. The classification or taxonomy of lizards can be subject to interpretation and change but here are the major groups and families: Most lizards are four-legged, but some have only two legs and even a few are leg-less. Description: These lizards get their name from their typical, head crests in the shape of a casque. of Species: 300+Most popular species: Rainbow agama and Frill-necked lizard. Interesting Fact: Some species of whiptail lizards have all-female or nearly all-female populations. This is one of the reasons why studies are not carried out on these lizards. They open their frills around their necks and hiss when threatened. This is not true with the short horned lizard which is of the same genus. Their body has rough brown scales. Anoles changes its color based on its mood and surroundings. Varanidae are large, with long necks, powerful tail and claws they use to tear flesh and dig burrows. All species in the family are viviparous (giving birth to live young). of Species: 2Most popular species: California legless lizard and Black legless lizard. Thus, it allows them the undisputed status of the largest group of reptiles with about 5000 species. (There are exceptions.) Welcome to our ever growing list of Lizard species. Description: Anoles are small lizards commonly found near houses and parks in South-Eastern parts of US, Cuba and Jamaica. The sub-order is further divided into families. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. One gecko with distinct coloring and bark! Central Americans like to eat the iguanas and think they taste good, calling them "tree chicken". The color, patterns and even the size of these lizards vary according to their environment.Geographical range: South America and the West Indies.Habitat: ground-dwelling (yards and gardens).Diet: Insects.No. They are mostly found in deserts. If the tail breaks at any other place than a fracture plane, regeneration is slight. Connecticut is host to 12 species. Sagebrush lizards have slightly smaller scales and are generally found at higher elevations. They are mostly found in deserts.Geographical range: Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico.Habitat: Arid and semiarid plains.Diet: Insects, small mammals and other lizards.No. All the Beakheads, besides the tuatara - 2 species, became extinct about 60 million years ago. They can hear tones higher than any other reptile and they also have the ability to vocalize, emitting high-pitched squeak. Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico. Monitor lizards have a diverse geographical range and are found in almost all terrains. When threatened, they crawl into crevices and puff-up their bodies so that they are tightly wedged in and nothing can yank them out. Skink The Skink is a very diverse type of Lizard species with a huge number of sub species. The shed tail itself shakes convulsively for several minutes, further distracting the predator and improving the lizard's odds of escaping unharmed with one less body part. Ophisaurus attenuatus longicaudus (MCCONKEY 1952), Eastern Slender Glass Lizard. In a few cases, new locations are noted on the maps with additional reports that were gathered up … Insects, fruits, seeds, various arthropods, small vertebrates, carrion and eggs. They have large scales on the head, granular scales on the back and rectangular ones at the bottom.Geographical range: Europe, Africa, and Asia.Habitat: Diverse (forest, grassland, desert, rocky arid areas)Diet: Insects, seeds.No. Interesting Fact: When threatened, the desert horned lizard squirts blood from its eye, as far as 5 feet. Description: Xantusiidae is a family of very small lizards(4 cm to 12 cm long) that live under rocks, inside tree trunks etc. The common method of hunting is with a slingshot. The young lizards live with their mother, father and siblings for one year. of Species: 71Most popular species: Tropical girdled lizard. of Species: 22Most popular species: Alfred’s Bli. It is very important to research well and learn about the species before you decide to keep it as a pet. The group is paraphyletic as it excludes the snakes and Amphisbaenia; some lizards are more closely related to these two excluded groups than they are to other lizards. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. of Species: 35Most popular species: Common scaly-foot. Marine iguanas live only on the Galapagos Islands and it is thought that they arrived to the islands by floating from mainland South America on debris. of Species: 23Most popular species: Desert night lizard. Unlike other monitors whose enclosures can require the majority of a room, a Red Ackie needs a comparatively smaller tank of around 55 gallons in size. Description: Pygopods possess vestigial hind limbs in the form of small, flattened, flaps. Description: Lizards in this family are predominantly terrestrial. They all possess well-developed limbs.Geographical range: Northern and Central South America.Habitat: Tropical forests.Diet: Insects, fruits, seeds, various arthropods, small vertebrates, carrion and eggs.No. They are typically small, moist-skinned creatures possessing thin bodies, four legs and a tail. Unlike snakes, most lizards have moveable eyelids. Description: The family is diverse and has around 136 species. of Species: 119Most popular species: Lava lizards. Their colors are also affected by the sun. Welcome to our ever growing list of Lizard species. Most species in the family sport green color, however few of them are brown. There are an estimated 2,000 different species of geckos worldwide, with many in existence still yet to be found. The deep-blue tongue of the lizard contributes to this belief, but it is not true. They can stay under water for up to 20 minutes. In general they look a lot like skinks.Geographical range: Central America and South America.Habitat: Deserts, mountains and rainforests.Diet: Insects.No. Interesting Fact: Most species of wall lizards are sexually dimorphic, which means that males and females have different patterns. They cannot blink, they have a transparent membrane instead of eyelids. Lizards have become popular pets in the western world, with species like geckos, green iguanas and anoles being the famous ones. They are excellent swimmers and usually hunt small fish and water insects. When extreme cold snaps hit south Florida in the winter, the sight of cold-stunned lizards is a common occurrence. Insects, grass, berries, seeds and eggs of smaller lizards. Deserts, tropical rain forests, coastal areas, mountains. Grubs, crickets, cockroaches, spiders, and moths. Henceforth, very little Is known in regard to its behavior. They come in many varieties, and depending on the sub-species, the player will have to react in many different ways to fight, evade, or distract them. Semi-aquatic and semi-arid scrub environment. They can be found in many sizes, (5 in. Being the largest insect order, there are over 350,000 species of beetles found across the world. Geographical range: Africa, Asia, Australia, Southern Europe.Habitat: Warm environment.Diet: Insects, grass, berries, seeds and eggs of smaller lizards.No. Description: Lacertidae has some of the most commonly seen lizards in the world. Skinks are a type of lizard that falls into the Scincidae family. The flying dragon can reach lengths as long as 19 - 23 cm. Unfortunately for lizards, life on the earth populated with humans is not all about good times. Lizards are reptiles, which means they are cold-blooded, lay eggs, and covered by scales instead of feathers or fur.Some live in trees, underground, on the banks of rivers, or in the desert. Species group Cnemidophorus Sexlineatus (9) Inornatus (4) Tesselatus (3) Status Native (121) Each of them has unique characteristics with regards to their food, habitat and self-defense. Some of the species are well-known for sprinting fast on their hind legs, looking like small dinosaurs. These lizards are found abundantly in Madagascar, the most famous species being collared iguana.Geographical range: Madagascar.Habitat: Trees, rocks, sand dunes.Diet: Insects, flowers (occasionally) .No. Some agamids enjoy the water and others prefer the trees. Reproduction takes place during the dry season, and the legless lizards use ants' nests to lay their eggs. Its wings are brightly colored with orange, red and blue spots and stripes, and they provide camouflage when folded. If the lizard you want to identify resembles one of the lizards shown below, go here to continue your search. Uromastyx are amazing and beautiful lizards that make excellent pets. It is the state reptile of the state of Oklahoma in the United States. They are known for the ability to change their body color to blend in with the environment. Get in touch with us and we'll talk... Lizards are one of biggest, most diverse and widespread group of reptiles found on Earth. Often, when basking in the sun, the colors of a lizard's skin can become bright and vibrant like the collared Lizard. Description: Green iguanas are one of the most popular reptile pets in the United States and are also among the largest lizards in the Americas, averaging around 6.5 feet (2 meters) long and weighing about 11 pounds (5 kilograms).Geographical range: Northern Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean Islands and Southern Brazil.Habitat: Arboreal and marine.Diet: Leaves, flowers, fruit, growing shoots, and sea weed.No. Red Lizards are extremely aggressive, and will chase down prey from a considerable distance. Geckos are small, colorful lizards that are experts in climbing all surfaces. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Tail regeneration itself may require substantial energy, an expenditure that could be used instead for reproduction, perhaps making larger eggs. They are generally docile. They forage the tropical forest for small insects. Their counterpart in the Americas would be the Iguanidae. Stop by our table-top presentation to view lizard specimens and learn where to watch lizards at Red Rock Canyon. This tactic is employed to cause the snake or other predator to focus on the tail instead of the more vulnerable head or body. Interesting Fact: Gila monsters don’t need to eat very often, they can store fat in their large tails. Species capable of this feat have a "fragile" tail, with fracture planes in one or more of the vertebrae. Interesting Fact: These lizards don’t have limbs and look a lot like snakes. Here you can find every kind of lizard on our website. Well, we're looking for good writers who want to spread the word. Lizards & Crocodilians of Southeast Asia : From the tiniest of geckos inhabiting people's houses to huge monitor lizards of up to 3 metres, Southeast Asia's lizards have evolved to fill an amazing range of ecological niches. Other species can use chemical secretions or vocalizations to communicate mating information. They cannot blink, they have a transparent membrane instead of eyelids. Lizards live in diverse environments and are the most geographically widespread of the reptiles. (There are exceptions.) Lizards are reptiles, or members of the class Reptilia, and are descendants of the dinosaurs that once ruled the Earth. Another lizard, the uromastyx or spiny-tailed lizard, is commonly eaten in many countries from Northern Africa through the Middle East and in India. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM. Gecko, (suborder Gekkota), any of more than 1,000 species of lizards making up six families of the suborder Gekkota. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Lizard Species. Their laterally compressed body is perfect for climbing, and their tails help maintain balance.Geographical range: From Mexico to Central America and Ecuador.Habitat: Arboreal.Diet: Insects, flowers and small vertebrates (snakes, birds, eggs and fish).No. to 1 ft in length) and wide variety of colors. The females have dewlaps as well, but are less apt to show them. Every year the temperatures drop, so do the invasive reptiles. Anoles are also used as native pest control, as they eat spiders, cockroaches and other bugs. Head-bobbing, tail-waving, dewlap-moving, back-arching and dancing may be crucial for mating communication, whether it be accepting or rejecting mates. Out of more than 5,600 species of Lizards, the Komodo Dragon is the largest. Many species are rare in the wild and are listed as vulnerable according to IUCN.Geographical range: Central America and China.Habitat: Semi-aquatic and semi-arid scrub environment.Diet: Fish, tadpoles, snails, insects.No. These lizards are small, slender with no legs, have a shovel-shaped snout, smooth shiny scales, and a blunt tail.Geographical range: North America (mainly California).Habitat: Moist soil. Monitor lizards have a diverse geographical range and are found in almost all terrains. Their size ranges from 2 in to 10 ft in length. of Species: 7Most popular species: Collared iguana. No … They are typically small, moist-skinned creatures possessing thin bodies, four legs and a tail. When in danger, these lizards start running upright on their back legs. Facebook. There are more than 300 different species in Africa, Asia and Australia. Both species are dark in color, with yellowish or pinkish markings .Geographical range: Southwestern United States, Mexico and Guatemala.Habitat: Scrublands and deserts.Diet: Rodents, small mammals, eggs of birds and reptiles.No. Females are also territorial in some species. 6 native species and 1 introduced/naturalized Unlike snakes, lizards have moveable eyelids, an external ear opening, two well-developed lungs, and a lower jaw that is fused, restricting the gape and limiting the size of prey that can be swallowed (Mitchell 1994). Description: Not a lot is known about this species of lizard, as it is very rare. Females are entirely limbless, the males retain small, flap-like hind limbs (used for mating). Lizards have crude third eyes on top of their heads that senses whether it's day or night. Interesting Fact: Night lizards give birth to 1-3 young ones at a time. Most lizard parents don't care much for their offspring. However, many of these species are declining in population due to habitat destruction, water pollution, and the killing of reptiles out of ignorant fear. Their eyes, like those of snakes, are covered by a transparent membrane.Geographical range: South-Western and Central North America and Cuba.Habitat: Rock crevices and damp logs.Diet: Small insects, termites and plants.No. These lizards have … Keep in mind that our list of lizards are sorted by their “Common Names.” You can see their binomial name in italic font in the description under the title. We hope you enjoy this website. of Species: 160Most popular species: West Usambara two-horned chameleon. These cookies do not store any personal information. Habitat: Arboreal. Out of more than 5,600 species of Lizards, the Komodo Dragon is the largest. Geographical range: Northern Borneo.Habitat: Burrowing and nocturnal.Diet: Earthworms.No. Although the Gila monster and Beaded monster are venomous, the venom is not fatal to humans. The two species in this family are large, stocky and slow-moving. of Species: 200+ (disputed)Most popular species: Leposoma rugiceps. These lizards are called ‘spectacled’ because they have a transparent lower eyelids, which are movable (unlike geckos). (have also been introduced to Hawaii, California, and Florida).Habitat: Warm habitat (varies from rainforests to deserts).Diet: Insects (larger species of chameleons might eat smaller lizards and young birds)No. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. The skin or scales of a lizard is made up of keratin. Most species are burrowing animals.Geographical range: Australia and New Guinea.Habitat: Burrows/dense spinifex.Diet: Insects, smaller lizards.No. How to Live In Peace with Your Cat and Small Pets? Sand dunes along the coast.Diet: Larval insects, beetles, termites, and spiders.No. For example, the fat stored in the tail is normally broken down and used for growth and maintenance when food is scarce or no longer available, especially in winter or drought. Interesting Fact: The basilisk lizard, also known as Jesus Christ lizard, has large hind feet with flaps of skin between each toe, this allows them to run fast on the surface of water. They have been evolving ever since, adapting to their environment and habitat. It feeds on arboreal ants and termites. At least some species in most of the families of lizards are capable of tail-loss except for all species of chameleons, beaded lizards, the Bornean earless lizard, monitors and xenosaurs. Diet: Grubs, crickets, cockroaches, spiders, and moths.No. Lizards range in size from chameleons and geckos a few centimeters long to the 3 meter long Komodo dragon. Unlike other monitors whose enclosures can require the majority of a room, a Red Ackie needs a comparatively smaller tank of around 55 gallons in size. Most species have spikes on the body for defense against predators. These lizard reproduce by parthenogenesis (process of asexual reproduction). Instagram Photos. Would you like to write for us? of Species: 10Most popular species: Dunn’s spinytail lizard. There are many different breeds of chickens with interesting characteristics. Males have bright yellow or orange undersides with spots, while females have paler, plain bellies. In the desert, for example, this might be useful in terms of competing for food. Agamids are lizards of the Old World. Interesting Fact: Wood lizards are quick and often hide in burrows and under logs, and lead a very secretive life. Description: Scincidae are the second most diverse family of lizards (after geckos). We've created informative articles that you can come back to again and again when you have questions or want to learn more! of Species: 136 speciesMost popular species: Desert horned lizard and Texas horned lizard. These flaps are used for defensive behavior and aids locomotion through vegetation. Around 20 cm in length, the lizard is semi-aquatic and has reduced ears and limbs. It is very important to research well and learn about the species before you decide to keep it as a pet. What could be good about that? Salamanders are amphibians. Another family in this group is the Corytophanidae which consists of helmeted lizards found in the New World. Most geckos are nocturnal and excellent climbers, and make great pets all over the world. The spiral tail helps in balancing and grasping branches. Insects, small mammals and other lizards. Lizards have become popular pets in the western world, with species like geckos, green iguanas and anoles being the famous ones. Mexican beaded lizard© fivespots/Fotolia. Description: Geckos are small, colorful lizards that are experts in climbing all surfaces. (have also been introduced to Hawaii, California, and Florida). The tuatara is a reptile, but not in the lizard family, it is part of the family Rhynchocephalia (which translates to Beakheads) which appeared over 220 million years ago. The females produce eggs that need no fertilization. This substance is also what human fingernails are made of. There are species of lizards that have no males! Interesting Fact: The most well-known species of gecko is the leopard gecko, it is commonly kept as a pet. Round-tailed Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma modestum) Regal Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma solare ... Red-backed Whiptail (Aspidoscelis xanthonota) Sonoran Spotted ... Family Xantusiidae—> Bezy’s Night Lizard (Xantusia bezyi) Desert Night Lizard (Xantusia vigilis) * Species introduced to the region. The Desert horned lizard has wide based horns. Invasive Lizards Adapting To Florida’s Cold Weather. Kingdom:AnimaliaPhylum:ChordataSuperclass:TetrapodaClass:ReptiliaOrder:SquamataSuborder: Lacertilia. of Species: 230Most popular species: Gold tegu, Argentine black and white tegu. Interesting Fact: The lack of limbs compensates for the amazing hearing sense that these lizards have.