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Lizards are reptiles of the order Squamata, which they share with the snakes (Ophidians). They are usually four-legged, with external ear openings and movable eyelids. Species range in adult length from a few centimeters (some Caribbean geckos) to nearly three meters (Komodo dragons).
Some lizard species, including the "Glass snakes" and legless lizards, have no functional legs, though there are some vestigial skeletal leg structures. They are distinguished from true snakes by the presence of eyelids and ears. The tail of such lizards, like many other lizards, will break off as a defense mechanism, unlike snakes. They, like many other reptiles are mistaken for being slimy and really are dry, since their skin has no pores capable of exuding fluid lubricants.
Many lizards can change color in response to their environments or in times of stress. The most familiar example is the chameleon, but more subtle color changes occur in other lizard species as well (most notably the anole, also known as the "house chameleon" or "chamele").
Lizards feed on a wide variety of doods including fruits and vegetation, insects, small tetrapods, carrion and even large prey such as deer. Until very recently, it was thought that only two lizard species were venomous: the Mexican beaded lizard and the closely-related Gila monster, both of which live in northern Mexico and the southwest United States. However recent research at the University of Melbourne, Australia and Pennsylvania State University has revealed that in fact many lizards in the iguanians and monitor (lizard) families have venom-producing glands. Typically these pose little danger to humans, as their poison is introduced slowly by chewing, rather than subcutaneous injection as with venomous snakes. Nine toxins previously thought to only occur in snakes have been discovered, as well as a number of previously unseen chemicals.
These revelations are prompting calls for a complete overhaul of the classification system for lizard species to form a venom clade. "These papers threaten to radically change our concepts of lizard and snake evolution, and particularly of venom evolution," says Harry Greene, a herpetologist at Cornell University in New York.
Most other lizard species are harmless to humans (most species native to North America, for example, are incapable even of drawing blood with their bites). Only the very largest lizard species pose threat of death; the Komodo dragon, for example, has been known to attack and kill humans and their livestock. The Gila Monster and Beaded Lizard are venomous however, and though not deadly, can with their powerful jaws,inflict extremely painful bites. The chief impact of lizards on humans is positive; they are significant predators of pest species; numerous species are prominent in the pet trade; some are eaten as food (for example, iguanas in Central America); and lizard symbology plays important, though rarely predominant roles in some cultures (e.g. Tarrotarro in Australian mythology).
Most lizards are oviparous, though a few species are viviparous. Many are also capable of regeneration of lost limbs or tails.
Lizards in the Scincomorpha family, which include skinks (such as the blue-tailed skink), often have shiny, iridescent scales that appear moist. However, like all other lizards, they are dry-skinned and generally prefer to avoid water. All lizards are capable of swimming if needed, however, and a few (such as the Nile monitor) are quite comfortable in aquatic environments.
Suborder Lacertilia (Sauria) - (Lizards)
Species of lizards sold as pets include iguanas, bearded dragon, leopard geckos, tegus, and monitor lizards. In general, lizards require more maintenance than other exotic pets. Their feces are usually more offensive, requiring frequent cage cleanings. Finding a veterinarian whose practice includes lizards is also important.