Fun & Interesting Lizard Facts For Kids 2023 [With Pictures]
Lizards are part of the reptile family. Reptiles are known for being cold-blooded and for having a backbone. They have scaly, dry skin and they usually lay soft-shelled eggs.
Lizards can be found in many different places and they all have unique things that make them stand out. Read on to find out more about these awesome creatures!
Also Read: Pterodactyl facts
Quick Lizard Facts
- The largest lizards in the world are komodo dragons.
- Lizards can detach their tails if they are in danger and need to flee quickly.
- Some lizards squirt blood from their eyes to ward off predators and clean their eyes.
- The Gila monster is the most toxic lizard in the world.
- Marina iguanas, which are a type of lizard, sneeze salt to remove excessive amounts of salt from their systems.
- Most lizard species are carnivores, but there are some species that eat both plants and animals.
- The eyes of a chameleon allow it to look in two directions at once.
What do Lizards look like?
Lizards in general have short necks, small heads, and relatively longish body and tail. There are over 5000 species of lizards, that’s a lot.
Some are small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, and others are huge and look closer to something that would live with the dinosaurs!
Do lizards have teeth? In most lizards, teeth are present along the jaw margin.
Some of the most well-known types of lizards are green iguanas, geckos, chameleons, and the Komodo dragon.
Smallest lizard in the world is the Jaragua and the largest lizard is the Komodo dragon.
Each of these lizards belong to the same family, but they all have their differences!
Geckos have no eyelids and they have special toes which help them to be excellent climbers.
Chameleons often have the ability to change color, which helps them to talk with each other or to hide from danger.
They have unique eyes which can move in two different directions- that would help us when we want to watch TV and do homework at the same time!
Where do lizards live?
Lizards live in different places all over the world. They are cold-blooded and this means that their body temperature is the same as the environment around them.
Because they can’t control their body temperature, they usually live in warm places, such as the tropics or the deserts.
Most lizards like to live close to the ground, and hide underneath rocks or in underground tunnels they dig. You might even see them sitting on a rock or log, soaking up the sun to get warm.
It’s a good thing they don’t need sunscreen!
What do lizards eat?
Most kinds of lizards, such as geckos and iguanas, eat insects. Lizards usually aren’t too picky when it comes to the bugs they like to munch on, and they will be happy with flies and crickets.
Chameleons, on the other hand, only like to eat plants, which makes them herbivores. They like to climb high up into trees and eat the berries, fruits, and leaves that grow there.
Mostly lizard eat small insect prey.
The Komodo dragon, which can grow up to 10 feet long and weigh over 300 pounds, is a carnivore, which means that it eats meat. Komodo dragons are usually pretty ferocious and they like to hunt animals that are very big in size.
Komodo dragons like to hunt animals such as deer, pigs, and water buffalo.
Are lizards poisonous?
While most lizards are harmless to humans and do not cause a threat, there are a few that are poisonous or are extremely dangerous and should be avoided.
The Gila monster, who lives in Nevada, Utah, and parts of Mexico, is one of the most poisonous lizards. It preys on small mammals, birds, and eggs, and uses its sharp teeth and powerful jaws to do so.
It also lets out a venom when it bites and this goes into the animal. While Gila monster bites are extremely rare, it is best to stay far away from them!
The Komodo dragon has a poison in its spit which it releases into its prey that paralyzes it, or makes it so the animal can’t move. This poisonous saliva plays a role in killing the animal that it has hunted.
The common house gecko, while not exactly poisonous, can cause health concerns as they carry harmful bacteria which can get transmitted through their droppings and urine.
How long do Lizards live?
Lizards usually live for about 15 to 20 years, but some can live up to 50 years.
Baby Lizard Facts
While some lizards lay eggs, others give birth to live young. Frilled lizards, for example, lay eight to 23 eggs, while others have live young. A lizard egg’s gestation period can last up to 12 months.
The majority of newborn lizards are pretty self-sufficient from birth, able to walk, run, and feed themselves. Depending on the species, the young mature between 2 years and 7 years of age.
Is lizard good for the home?
Lizards are considered helpful because they are efficient pest terminators. They come to your room because most homes have small insects and flies in an enclosed space, and they want to eat them.
Fun Lizard Facts
Lizards belong to the reptile family and like to live in warm places.
The Komodo dragon is a lizard that can be 10 feet long.
Most lizards are harmless to humans.
Lizards can be found all over the world, and they play an important part in different ecosystems.
Some lizard species can survive on just 3 to 5 meals each year.
Most lizards do not make sounds and are, in fact, mute.
When a predator approaches, the lizard severs its own tail to both put off and also feed the attacker. It can, however, be regenerated in a month.
Whether a lizard abandons its tail, it returns to see if it is still there and consumes it later.
Lizards have been around since the time of the dinosaurs, more than 200 million years ago.
The majority of lizards can swim. The green basilisk lizard can actually run on water!
Lizards detect odors by smelling the air. That’s why you usually see them moving quickly with their tongues protruding!
Have you ever wondered how lizards climb up walls or across ceilings? They have bulbous toes that are covered in hundreds of minute hairs called setae, which allow them to adhere to surfaces.
Some lizards are kept as pets, like geckos and iguanas, while others should be kept far away from humans, like the Komodo dragon and the Gila monster!
North American Horned Lizards can spew blood from their eyes if they are attacked! Autohemorrhaging is the name for this process, which can be performed numerous times if necessary. The blood jet, which can shoot up to four feet, is used to terrify predators and sometimes to also wipe dirt and dust from their own eyes.
Although some lizards and humans go through comparable stages of sleep, the length of those cycles differs. A lizard’s quick sleep cycle lasts just 80 seconds.
Desert lizards absorb water through their skin rather than by drinking it.
All lizards have unique things that make them special and should all be admired and kept safe.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Are there any lizards that can walk on water or perform other impressive feats?
While not all lizards possess extraordinary abilities, a few species exhibit impressive feats. The “Basilisk Lizard,” also known as the “Jesus Christ Lizard,” can walk on water for short distances. This remarkable ability is achieved using its specialized long toes and a unique running motion, enabling it to dash across the water’s surface without sinking. It’s truly a sight to behold!
2. What are some of nature’s most colorful and visually striking lizards?
Lizards showcase a wide range of vibrant colors in the animal kingdom. One notable example is the “Panther Chameleon,” which is renowned for its striking hues. These chameleons can display colors ranging from vibrant reds and oranges to blues and greens, making them a visually captivating species.
3. Can all lizards change their color, or is it specific to certain species?
Not all lizards have the ability to change their color. This unique trait is mainly found in many species of lizards known as “chameleons.” Chameleons have specialized skin cells called chromatophores that contain pigments and can expand or contract, allowing them to alter their coloration to blend in with their surroundings or communicate with other chameleons.
Conclusion
In conclusion, learning about lizards can be both fun and interesting for kids. From their fascinating abilities to their unique appearances, lizards offer a world of discovery and excitement. By exploring these incredible creatures, children can better appreciate the natural world and expand their knowledge of the animal kingdom.