Lizard

Lizard species range from thumbnail-sized geckos skittering across walls to hefty Komodo dragons patrolling Indonesian islands. Most lizards are ectothermic, meaning they bask in sunlight or on warm rocks to raise body temperature before hunting. Specialized toes enable feats like climbing vertical glass or sprinting across desert sand: geckos use microscopic hairs called setae to stick to surfaces, while fringe-toed lizards spread scales like snowshoes. Long tails provide balance and serve as fat storage for lean seasons.

When threatened, many lizards drop their tails through a process called autotomy. The detached tail wriggles to distract predators while the lizard escapes. Over weeks, a new tail grows back, though it is often shorter and made of cartilage instead of bone. Chameleons employ a different strategy, rocking back and forth to mimic leaves and shooting long tongues to snare insects from a distance.

Lizard diets include insects, spiders, fruit, nectar, and even leaves, depending on the species. Desert iguanas browse cactus blooms, while skinks patrol leaf litter for beetles. Monitor lizards scavenge carrion and may prey on fish or small mammals. By consuming pests and pollinating flowers, lizards support ecosystem health. In turn, they become meals for hawks, snakes, and mammals, anchoring complex food webs.

Reproduction can involve eggs or live birth. Many species lay clutches in warm soil and leave the eggs to hatch, but some skinks guard nests. Male lizards often display push-ups, head bobs, or dewlap extensions to claim territory and attract mates. Colors may intensify during breeding season, signaling health to potential partners.

Lizards face threats from habitat loss, invasive predators (such as cats), and the international pet trade. Conservationists create rock piles, limit pesticide use, and restrict development near basking sites. Citizen scientists monitor backyard lizard populations through smartphone apps, helping researchers map species ranges and detect declines. Classroom projects compare basking behavior under different light sources or design mock habitats that meet a reptile’s thermal needs.