Squamata – Snakes & lizards

Most serpents are here. In fact, it’s hard to draw generalizations in a family so big

Paralyzing snakes— cobras, mambas, kraits, sea snakes and allies

Some rattle and some don’t, but you better be warned because they all have a deadly slit-eyed stare, long fangs, and a lethal bite

Despite their name and appearance, they are indeed true snakes, not worms

Smallest known snakes; adapted to digging and feed on ants and termites

Has tendency to inhabit human settlements, often seeking shelter in or around homes

Their venoms are typically mild to humans but highly effective against their preferred prey

Rarely come to the surface, except during heavy rains or at night, which makes them difficult to study and observe

Gigantic non-venomous snakes including anacondas and boas, known for their death-dealing coils

When threatened, they often coil their bodies into tight spirals, and their shielded tail presented to any potential attacker

May exhibit bluffing behaviors, such as striking without actually opening their mouths, to scare off intruders

Capable of creating intricate tunnel systems beneath the surface of the sand

Non-venomous, not aggressive and rarely bite humans

Good old pythons might not lurk around much longer

Not well-known and are rarely encountered by humans due to their secretive nature and the often inaccessible nature of their habitats

Can play dead by becoming completely limp and unresponsive

Being non-venomous and vulnerable due to their size, they often resort to hiding or fleeing into the soil to escape predators

Among the most ancient lineages of snakes, they are believed to closely resemble those of the earliest snake ancestors

Relatively slow movers on the surface, making them vulnerable outside their sandy hideouts

Some species are known to be “oophagous,” meaning they feed on eggs

Generally shy and not aggressive, and bites are rare

Can play ‘dead’ or exhibit thanatosis when threatened to an extreme degree

Covered in a thick layer of skin that is loose and wrinkled, giving them a somewhat eel-like appearance

Their small size and constricting abilities (though limited compared to pythons) give them a “miniature python” vibe

Recognized for their extraordinary iridescent scales that shimmer in the sunlight like a sunbeam

Have a relatively slow growth rate likely due to the limited food resources available on the island

Incredibly secretive and rarely seen by humans

Lacks the venom glands and fangs that make the ‘original’ coral snake so dangerous

Seldom seen by people and even less understood

These lizards look and move like snakes with tiny legs

Unique for their vocalizations and known for their climbing ability with specialized toe pads

Surfing to gliding, they do it all!

Many have a colorful flap of skin under their chin which they use to show off or scare away other males

Small to medium sized brightly colored terrestrial lizards

Endemic to South America, this family includes the southernmost reptiles on earth

Like many lizards, spectacled lizards can regenerate their tails, although the new one might not be as perfect as the original

Help control insect populations, which can prevent overruns of pests that might otherwise damage local plants and crops

A special way of expression with an equally unique view of world

Has the ability to change color, although not as dramatically as chameleons

Incredibly fast runners, with some species capable of reaching speeds of up to 32 km/h (20mph)

Small lizards found dwelling in hot sandy or rocky deserts

The geckos with leafy feet and global reach

Males are known to be highly territorial and will often engage in dramatic displays to defend their territory

Bronze or grey, legs aren’t their forte

Brain with brawn, monitors are a delight to observe!

You can find them huddled up in rocky cervices in African deserts.

When threatened, some can stiffen and straighten their bodies, making themselves rigid to make it more difficult for predators to swallow them

Different from most other geckos because they have real eyelids, just like us!

Some species have evolved to look and behave like venomous snakes, which can deter predators

They only look dangerous!

Like many reptiles, they are ectothermic, relying on external sources of heat to regulate their body temperature

Capable of detaching their tails when threatened, a common defense mechanism among many lizard species

Can make various sounds, from clicks to barks, to communicate during mating season

Despite their name, they are not true snakes but rather lizards that have lost their legs over time

Can be seen performing push-ups or displaying their brightly colored underbellies to warn off rivals or signal to potential mates

Without legs, they wriggle through the earth, using their smooth bodies to push against the soil

Have a well-developed sense of smell, which they use to locate potential mates and food

Very sensitive to temperature changes and have adapted to regulate their body temperature by shifting between sun and shade

If a predator grabs their tail, they can break it off to escape

Performing acrobatic miracles on the water

Their presence is welcomed in agricultural areas since they help control the population of insects and other small pests

Renowned for their ability to rapidly change color,a trait that has earned them the nickname “chameleons of the New World”

Monster-like heavy footed gait, a striking appearance and a venomous defense

Despite their name, they are not nocturnal; they are actually active during the day

Despite their name, they do have ears, but are hidden beneath their skin

Sole survivor of a lineage that dates back over 100 million years

Often mistaken for worms or snakes at first glance

Their presence can indicate the health of the ecosystem, as they are sensitive to environmental changes and pollution

Has a unique method of locomotion, known as ‘concertina movement’

Rely more on their sense of touch and on vibrations in the ground to navigate and find food

Have sensitive skin that helps them detect vibrations and changes in their environment

Looks like a worm, acts like a lizard