Reptiles · Lacertilia
Komodo Dragon
Varanus komodoensis
Endangered
Lizards are a hugely diverse group of scaled reptiles found on every continent except Antarctica, ranging from tiny geckos to the massive Komodo dragon, the largest living lizard species.
Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Lacertilia
Family: Varanidae
Genus: Varanus
Related species: Geckos, iguanas, chameleons — suborder Lacertilia
Size
Under an inch (some geckos) to 10 feet (Komodo dragon).
Habitat
Desert, forest, grassland, and rocky terrain, depending on species.
Description
Dry, rough-scaled skin, four legs, and a long tail, with body shapes varying hugely by species.
Diet
Varies by species — insects, plants, or small animals. Komodo dragons take down prey much larger than themselves.
Tail Defense
Many species can shed part of their tail to escape a predator's grip, later regrowing a shorter one.
Thermoregulation
Cold-blooded — basks in the sun to raise body temperature before becoming fully active.
Hunting Style
Komodo dragons use a powerful bite and venom to weaken large prey before finishing the kill.
Senses
A flicking forked tongue samples the air to detect scent, much like a snake's.
Clutch Size
Typically 15–30 eggs, depending on species.
Sexually Mature
1–8 years, depending heavily on species.
Life Span
5–20+ years, depending on species.
Did You Know?
Many lizards can drop their tail to escape a predator, then regrow it later.
Did You Know?
The Komodo dragon, the largest lizard alive, can take down prey much larger than itself.
Did You Know?
Some gecko species can walk straight up glass, thanks to microscopic hair-like structures on their toes.
Types of Lizards
Komodo Dragon
Varanus komodoensis — largest living lizard
Varanus komodoensis — largest living lizard
Green Iguana
Iguana iguana — large, mostly plant-eating lizard
Iguana iguana — large, mostly plant-eating lizard
Leopard Gecko
Eublepharis macularius — popular pet species
Eublepharis macularius — popular pet species
Veiled Chameleon
Chamaeleo calyptratus — known for color-changing skin
Chamaeleo calyptratus — known for color-changing skin
Gila Monster
Heloderma suspectum — one of few venomous lizards
Heloderma suspectum — one of few venomous lizards
Lizard in Foreign Languages
Frenchlézard
GermanEidechse
Italianlucertola
Portugueselagarto
Spanishlagarto
Russianyashcheritsa
Polishjaszczurka
Japanesetokage
Mandarinxīyì
Koreandodombaem
Dutchhagedis
Swedishödla
Norwegianøgle
Finnishlisko
