Lizard Facts

Lizards come in various shapes and sizes, ranging from a few centimeters (geckos and chameleons) to 9 feet or more (the Komodo dragon). Though they have been existing on the planet for as long as 200 million years, we can't really boast about knowing everything about them. In fact several lizard facts which had been eluding us for such a long time have just surfaced over the last decade or so. So what do all these facts about lizards reveal?

Amazing Lizards: Facts about Lizards

Approximately 3800 species of lizards are found on the planet today. These scaled reptiles are found all over the world, except for the continent of Antarctica. These 3800 species are further categorized into different types of lizards, the most prominent ones being the geckos, iguanas and chameleons. If you thought this was astonishing, the lizard facts given below are bound to leave you gaping.

Most Venomous Lizards: Among the 3000 plus identified species of lizards only two - the Gila monster (Heloderma sucpectum) and the Mexican beaded lizard (Heloderma horridum) are venomous. Though the venom is not sufficient enough to kill humans, it has the tendency to cause tremendous pain to the individual.

Largest Lizard Species: The largest lizard in the world is the Komodo dragon native to the Komodo Island of Indonesia. These 10 ft long lizards have the ability to bring down animals much larger than their size. Their powerful bite and ability to ambush the prey makes them great hunters. Their saliva is quite toxic as well. When they bite their prey, the bacteria in the saliva enters the prey's body and weakens its immune system due to which it dies.

Communication Skills: Geckos are the only lizards armed with vocal cords, and the ability to make vocal sounds. Other lizard species resort to body language, such as posturing and gestures, for the purpose of communication. This method of communication by signs is effective in demarcating territory, threatening predators, attracting mating partners etc.

Proficient Climbers: Most of the lizard species in the world have suction cups on their feet, which makes them very good climbers - a lifesaving necessity for these species. Geckos don't have suction cups on their feet, however, the tiny hair like structures on their feet help them in climbing even the most flat vertical surfaces, including the glass walls of an aquarium.

Ace Sprinters: Those who are not able climbers, are gifted with the ability to sprint. The basilisk and the collared lizard, native to the American continents, have a fascinating ability of running on their hind legs. The phenomenon is referred to as bipedal locomotion. When young and light these lizard species can even run on the surface of water.

Longest Living Lizard Species: The Mexican beaded lizard is also considered to be the species with the longest lifespan, with an individual living for 33 years and 11 months being recorded. Coming close second is the Cayman Island ground iguana with longest recorded lifespan of 33 years and 5 months.

Flying Lizards or Gliding Lizards: The draco genus of lizards native to southeast Asia has the ability to glide from one tree to another owing to the specially designed membrane which connect their front limbs with rear ones. This makes them appear as if they are flying, and hence they are referred to as flying lizards.

Remarkable Senses: Most lizard species have amazing eyesight, with some even having highly acute color vision, and vomeronasal organ, using which they taste the air, like the snakes. Though several lizard species, including the Green iguana, have a third eye with a retina and lens on their head, it is used to regulate hormone production, and not for sight.

Defense Mechanism: The defense mechanism of these reptiles is amazing as well. Some species of Horned lizards have an amazing ability to squirt blood from their eyes as a part of their defense mechanism. These lizards can squirt blood up to a distance of 4 ft. Similarly, the Frilled lizard expands the scaly skin around its neck to intimidate the predator with its size.

Ability to Change Color: Some species of lizards, such as the chameleon and the collared lizard, have the ability to change the color of their skin. The chameleon changes its color to camouflage when hunting, while the collared lizard changes its color while basking in the sun.

These were some of the most amazing lizard facts, which make them one of the most fascinating creations of nature. Though these facts about lizards may leave us amazed, scientists and wildlife enthusiasts believe that there is lot more to know about these creatures, and what we know is just the tip of the iceberg. As more and more information about lizards is revealed, they will continue to fascinate us as they have been doing for millions of years.