Lizards are fascinating creatures that have been around for millions of years. They can range from tiny geckos to giant Komodo dragons, and their adaptability has made them one of the most successful groups of animals on Earth. We’ll explore ten of the most interesting facts about lizards. From their incredible abilities to their unique behaviour, you’ll learn why these creatures have been so successful throughout history. So let’s get started and explore some of the most fascinating facts about lizards!
1. Lizards can detach their tails.
Some lizards can detach their tails if they are caught by a predator.
This helps them to get away quickly.
When this happens, it’s called autotomy.
2. Chameleons change colour!
That’s right. Some lizards, such as chameleons, change colour.
There are lots of reasons why lizards do this.
It can be to do with their temperature and they can also change colour as a way of communication.
People often think they change colour to match their background, but scientists think it is mostly about temperature and signalling.
3. Geckos have microscopic hair on their feet!
Have you ever wondered how lizards walk across the ceiling or up walls?
Geckos have microscopic hairs on the bottom of their feet.
They help them stick to things which makes them great climbers.
4. Most lizards can swim.
Most lizards have the ability to swim.
The green basilisk lizard can do one better…
They can run on water!
5. The Jaragua lizard is one of the smallest lizards in the world.
The Jaragua lizard is tiny.
Its body is only about 1.6 centimetres long, not counting its tail. In 2021, scientists found a chameleon in Madagascar called Brookesia nana that may be even smaller.
6. The biggest lizard is the Komodo dragon.
Lizards come in all different sizes.
The largest of them all is the Komodo dragon.
They can grow up to about 3 metres long!
7. Lizards are cold blooded.
Lizards are cold-blooded.
This means their bodies can’t make their own heat.
Instead they sit in the sun to warm up, and move into the shade to cool down.
8. Lizards love eating insects.
A lizards favourite food is insects.
They love crickets, mealworms and flies! Plus lots more.
A lizard can also be found eating plants and fruits too.
9. Some lizards can live for 50 years!
Different species of lizards have different life spans.
However, some have lived for 50 years!
10. Chameleons can look in different directions at the same time!
Have you ever tried to look left with one eye, and right with the other?
It’s really hard to do!
Chameleons can look in different directions with ease.
Their eyes bulge out which means they can look at two different objects at once.
It must be good for multitasking!
📖 Words to know
- Reptile
- A vertebrate with dry, scaly skin. Most reptiles lay eggs on land.
- Cold-blooded
- An animal whose body can’t make its own heat, so it warms up in the sun.
- Predator
- An animal that hunts other animals for food.
- Camouflage
- Colours or patterns that help an animal blend in with its surroundings.
⚠️ Watch out!
How much do you know about lizards?
Which animal group do lizards belong to?
- Reptiles
- Amphibians
- Mammals
- Insects
What is the biggest lizard in the world?
- Komodo dragon
- Iguana
- Gecko
- Chameleon
How does a lizard warm up?
- It sits in the sun
- It shivers
- It eats hot food
- It grows more scales
Which group?
Lizards are reptiles, like snakes, turtles and crocodiles. They have dry, scaly skin.
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