Discover with me some of the least known lizard facts for kids such as lizards diet, habitat, distribution, and behavior. Lizards (Lacertilla) are the most diverse group of squamates comprising no less than 4500 species which are associated with the groups like iguanas, geckos, blind lizards, beaded lizards, chameleons, chisel-teeth lizards, anguids, and others. Lizards are normally found in the temperate as well as tropical conditions throughout the South and North America, along with Australia, Asia, Europe and Africa. Lizards also live in many tropical islands such as Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic Oceans. Many lizards display four limbs but there are certain skink species that are completely limbless.
Lizard Facts For Kids
- Lizards have a long tail. Some species have a tail which can be easily broken. A weak lizard’s tail allows it to get rid of its predator that catches it by the tail. Thus, it is one of the useful defense mechanisms lizards employ. However, a lizard’s tail can be born again.
- Depending on species, lizards employ a variety of different methods to defend themselves. Some species are rather fast runners and they sprint to their habitat in times of danger while others just camouflage themselves while standing in a still position. Nonetheless, some lizards seem to grow larger and more terrifying look while actively defending against their predators. Some species can bite or even attack their predators. Above all, the most effective method lizards use is that of venom. Of all the lizards species, only three are venomous; the Mexican beaded lizard, Komodo dragon, and the Gila monster.
- Lizards smell by licking in the air just like snakes do.
- The komodo dragon, Mexican beaded lizard, and the Gila lizards are the only venomous species of lizard.
- The largest lizard is the komodo dragon with the size reaching up to 10 feet. Some lizards have eyelids such as geckos and skinks. But like snakes, the two lids have fused to develop a clear “spectacle,” which sheds along with the rest of the skin.
- Lizards primarily use their sight not only to locate their prey but for communicating with each other.
- Lizards have extremely acute color vision. In lizards, some signs are very important such as their body posture, specific movements, and gestures since these signs mark territories, attract counterparts, or resolve disputes.
- Certain lizards have bright-colored appearances but as they become susceptible to predators, they are mostly hidden on the underside.
- Many lizards, though venomous, are harmless to humans. Komodo dragon, however, is highly dangerous to humans and sometimes its injected venom end up in a death. An eight-year-old Indonesian boy died from blood loss after an attack.
- Some lizards are bred in captivity or kept as pets such as anoles, geckos, and iguanas.
- Unlike other lizards, komodo dragon is known to stalk its prey actively.
- Lizards are the cold blooded creatures whose body temperature fluctuates with the change in air temperature.
- Many lizards feed on a live food.
- Lizards for the most part live a solitary life but smaller species are often found in colonies.
- Some species are nocturnal such as geckos.
- Lizards mostly hibernate in the cold days of winter.
- They range in sizes from few centimeters to few meters.
- Unlike chameleon and Agamid lizards, many species replace their teeth all throughout their lives.
- Some species of lizards squirt blood from their eyes. Horned lizards are one of them.
- Most lizards are good climbers and they spend the day basking in the hot sun in the morning or at noon. However, they are not found basking in the middle of the day due to overheating.
- During the daytime, common lizards
Where Do Lizards Live | Lizards Habitat | Lizard Facts For Kids
The small geckos typically seek shelter under rocks, leaf litter and under bark and sometimes small burrows. These lizards include beaded, eastern stone, and western stone geckos and many others. The geckos are active all night. The small dragons commonly find their habitats in sand, burrowing, or ground or bicycle dragons.
What Do Lizards Eat | Lizard Facts For Kids
Small Geckos
Small geckos predominantly feed on crickets, spiders, insects, termites, mealworms, cockroaches, grasshoppers, beetles, slaters, ants, larvae, and other geckos. The small geckos have to lick their eyes to clean them since their eyelids are not moveable.
Large Geckos | Lizard Facts For Kids
The large geckos eat spiders, insects, grasshoppers, slaters, beetles, larvae, mealworms, crickets, and termites.
Small Dragon
The small dragons rely on invertebrates such as centipedes, scorpions, termites, ants, moths, snails, and spiders. They also like to eat some fruits, leaves, carrion, and flowers.
Beaded Dragon | Lizard Facts For Kids
Beaded dragons live in dry areas such as deserts. These lizards are omnivorous and they like to eat an array of foods such as small lizards, spiders, insects, mice, pinkies, small rats, flowers, fruits, green shoots, eggs, and small mammals.
Reproduction | Lizard Facts For Kids
- The small and large geckos lay 2 eggs per clutch.
- The female beaded dragons lay 10 – 20 eggs in a burrow.
- Some species give birth to live young such as skinks. The female 1 – 25 live young that varies from species to species.
- The average life span of beaded dragons is 10 – 15 years in captivity.
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