Scaly reptiles, usually with four legs, with over 7,000 species. They range from a 13.5 mm nano-chameleon to the 3 m Komodo dragon, and many can drop their tails to escape predators.
This entry covers a whole group, so the answers describe a typical member. For a specific one, see Gecko, Iguana, Chameleon, Komodo dragon, Monitor lizard, Skink, Bearded dragon, Basilisk lizard.
Quick answers
What is it?Reptile
Carnivore?Insects only
Dangerous?No
Most lizards are harmless, but the Komodo dragon has attacked and occasionally killed people.
Domesticated?No
Awake when?Daytime
Hibernates?No
Kept as a pet?Commonly
Many species are kept as pets, including bearded dragons, iguanas, anoles and leopard geckos.
Do people eat it?In places
Green iguanas are eaten in Central America, and spiny-tailed lizards in Africa.
At a glance
Found inWorldwide
HabitatDesert, Rainforest, Forest, Scrub
ColoursGreen, Brown, Grey
SizeSmall
Length13.5 mm (nano-chameleon) to 3 m (Komodo dragon)
Legs4
Covered inScales
Lives alone
Lives for5–15 years
Can swim
Lays eggs
In the wild
- Where it lives
- Every continent except Antarctica, and most oceanic island chains.
- What it eats
- Mainly carnivorous: small species eat insects and other invertebrates, larger ones bigger prey. Some eat plants.
Did you know
Many can drop their tail and grow a new one.
Numerous lizards are kept as pets, including bearded dragons, iguanas, anoles and leopard geckos.
Often confused with
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