Lizards as Pets
Modified: 30-11--0001 00:00:00
Lizards, like snake are reptiles of the order Squamata. They are most commonly four-legged, with external ear openings and movable eyelids. They range in length from a few centimeters (some Caribbean geckos) to nearly three meters (Komodo dragons).
Some species called "glass snakes" or "glass lizards" have no functional legs, though there are some vestigial skeletal leg structures. They are distinguished from true snakes by the presence of eyelids and ears. Also, the the tail of glass lizards, like many other lizards, will break off as a defense mechanism, unlike snakes. They, like many other reptiles are mistaken to be slimy whereas in reality their scaly skin is dry.
Many lizards can change colour in response to their environments or in times of stress. The most familiar example is the chameleon, but more subtle colour changes occur in other lizard species as well (most notably the anole, also known as the "house chameleon" or "chamele").
Lizards most often feed on insects, snales or rodents. A few species are omnivorous or herbivorous; a familiar example of the latter is the iguana, which is unable to properly digest animal protein.
Until very recently, it was thought that only two lizard species were venomous: the Mexican beaded lizard and the closely-related Gila monster, both of which live in northern Mexico and the southwest United States. Recent research at the University of Melbourne, Australia and Pennsylvania State University has revealed that many lizards in the iguanians and monitor (lizard) families have venom-producing glands. None of these poses serious danger to humans, as the poison is introduced slowly by chewing, rather than injected as with poisonous snakes. Nine toxins previously thought to only occur in snakes have been discovered, and a number of previously unseen chemicals as well.
The gila monster has a nasty habit of biting, and then refusing to release its mouth, meaning it has more opportunity to deliver a paintful amount of poison to the victim.
Most other lizard species are harmless to humans (most species native to North America, for example, are incapable even of drawing blood with their bites). Only the very largest lizard species pose threat of death; the Komodo dragon, for example, has been known to attack and kill humans and their livestock. The Gila Monster and Beaded Lizard are venomous however, and though not deadly, can inflict extremely painful and powerful bites.
Most lay eggs, though a few species do give birth to live young. Many are also capable of regeneration of lost limbs or tails.
Lizards in the Scincomorpha family, which include skinks (such as the blue-tailed skink), have shiny, iridescent scales that appear moist. Like all other lizards however, they are dry-skinned and generally prefer to avoid water. All lizards are able to swim if needed, , and a few (such as the Nile monitor) are quite comfortable in aquatic environments.
Lizards as pets
Many lizard species are now sold as pets. A few of these include iguanas, bearded dragon, leopard geckos, tegus, and monitor lizards, but many more are sold as pets. In general, lizards require more maintenance than other exotic pets such as snakes and tarantulas. Their faeces is stinkier, and as they tend to require more food for their body weight than a snake, their cages require more frequent cleaning.
Some things to consider:-
Size - that 6 inch iguana in the shop may grow to be 6 feet long!
Environment. Yolur lizard will do best if housed in an aquarium which mirrors its home conditions, including warmth, humidity and hours of sunlight. Its uch easier to care for a lizard that is local to your area, than an exotic lizard.
Pet shop lizards. DOn't expect the pet shop sales assistant to know more than the basics about lizards, you will need to research your potential lizard breed yourself.
Lifespan. Your lizard, may live 50 plus years.... are you ready for that?
Anoles
<< Previous Crocodilians - Alligators & Crocodiles | Back to Reptiles as Pets | Next >> Snakes as Pets
