Different Types of Lizards: A Field Guide to 26 Families

Lizards are one of the biggest, most varied groups of reptiles on Earth. You can find them on every continent except Antarctica. Their color, size, and diet all depend on where they live. Lizards have been around since before the Jurassic era (208–144 million years ago), not long after the Carboniferous period. They have been changing and adapting to their surroundings ever since.

The Early Signs of Lizards

The oldest known lizard fossil is from India. Scientists believe this iguana species lived around 220 million years ago.

To understand all the different lizards, it helps to know how they are grouped. The suborder Lacertilia is split into families. Each family holds several types (genera), and each type holds individual species.

Types of Lizards

A field guide to 26 lizard families, from tiny blind burrowers to the mighty Komodo dragon. Each card shows where the family lives, what it eats, and one fact worth remembering.

Agamas Agamidae

Agamids are often called dragon lizards. They are one of the most widespread lizard groups in the world. You can find them in many sizes — from 5 in. to 1 ft long — and in a wide range of colors.

Geographical range: Africa, Asia, Australia, Southern Europe.
Habitat: Warm environment.
Diet: Insects, grass, berries, seeds and eggs of smaller lizards.
No. of Species: 300+
Most popular species: Rainbow agama and Frill-necked lizard.

Interesting fact Males, in some species of Agamids, develop dramatically colorful markings on the body during breeding season. This color change plays a part in communication and reproductive behavior.

American legless Lizards Anniellidae

The family Anniellidae has just two species, both in the genus Anniella. These lizards are small and slender with no legs. They have a shovel-shaped snout, smooth shiny scales, and a blunt tail.

Geographical range: North America (mainly California).
Habitat: Moist soil. Sand dunes along the coast.
Diet: Larval insects, beetles, termites, and spiders.
No. of Species: 2
Most popular species: California legless lizard and Black legless lizard

Interesting fact Because of their appearance, legless lizards are often mistaken to be snakes. If observed closely they have eyelids which distinguishes them from snakes (which don't have eyelids).

Anoles Polychrotidae

Anoles are small lizards often spotted near houses and parks in the south-eastern US, Cuba, and Jamaica. Most species are green, but some are brown. Anoles can change color depending on their mood and surroundings.

Geographical range: North America.
Habitat: Arboreal.
Diet: Grubs, crickets, cockroaches, spiders, and moths.
No. of Species: 400
Most popular species: Green anoles and Carolina anoles.

Interesting fact Some species of anoles are very territorial. Some have even been witnessed showing aggressive behavior to their reflections in mirrors. Anoles are also used as native pest control, as they eat spiders, cockroaches and other bugs.

Casquehead Lizards Corytophanidae

These lizards are named for the helmet-shaped crest on their head, called a casque. Only males have it, and they use it to look scary to enemies. Their flat, narrow body is great for climbing, and their long tail helps them balance.

Geographical range: From Mexico to Central America and Ecuador.
Habitat: Arboreal.
Diet: Insects, flowers and small vertebrates (snakes, birds, eggs and fish).
No. of Species: 9
Most popular species: Common basilisk and Brown basilisk.

Interesting fact The basilisk lizard, also known as Jesus Christ lizard, has large hind feet with flaps of skin between each toe, this allows them to run fast on the surface of water.

Chameleons Chamaeleonidae

Chameleons are among the most well-known lizards on the planet. They can change color to blend in with their surroundings. They move slowly and carefully, then shoot out their long tongue to snatch insects with pinpoint accuracy.

Geographical range: Africa, Madagascar, Spain, Portugal, South Asia. (have also been introduced to Hawaii, California, and Florida).
Habitat: Warm habitat (varies from rainforests to deserts).
Diet: Insects (larger species of chameleons might eat smaller lizards and young birds)
No. of Species: 160
Most popular species: West Usambara two-horned chameleon.

Interesting fact Chameleons are uniquely adapted for climbing and visual hunting. They have the most distinctive eyes of any reptile, they can focus separately to observe two different objects simultaneously. The spiral tail helps in balancing and grasping branches.

Common Collared Lizard Crotaphytidae

These are fast-moving lizards with long limbs and tails. Some species are famous for sprinting on their back legs — they look just like tiny dinosaurs! Most of them live in deserts.

Geographical range: Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico.
Habitat: Arid and semiarid plains.
Diet: Insects, small mammals and other lizards.
No. of Species: 12 species
Most popular species: Common collared lizard and Eastern collared lizard.

Interesting fact Collared lizards get their name due to the distinctive black band on their neck and shoulder, which looks like a collar. It is the state reptile of the state of Oklahoma in the United States.

Earless Monitor Lizards Lanthanotidae

Very little is known about this lizard because it is so rare. It grows to around 20 cm long. It lives partly in water and has tiny ears and small legs. Its body is covered in rough brown scales.

Geographical range: Northern Borneo.
Habitat: Burrowing and nocturnal.
Diet: Earthworms.
No. of Species: 1

Interesting fact Despite the name, this rare lizard is capable of hearing, although it lacks visible signs of ears.

Earless, Spiny, Side-Blotched and Horned Lizards Phrynosomatidae

This is a varied family with around 136 species. Most of them have adapted to life in dry, sandy, or rocky places. Many have spiny scales to protect them from predators. They hunt by staying still and using camouflage, then striking when prey comes close.

Geographical range: Panama to South Canada.
Habitat: Hot, sandy deserts (rocky deserts in some cases)
Diet: Ants, crickets, grasshoppers, beetles, worms, flies, and some plant material.
No. of Species: 136 species
Most popular species: Desert horned lizard and Texas horned lizard.

Interesting fact When threatened, the desert horned lizard squirts blood from its eye, as far as 5 feet.

Geckos Gekkonidae

Geckos are small, colorful lizards that are brilliant climbers. They make chirping calls to communicate with each other. They cannot blink because they have a clear see-through cover instead of eyelids. They lick their own eyes to keep them clean and free of dust.

Geographical range: Across the globe.
Habitat: Warm climates.
Diet: Insects and other invertebrates.
No. of Species: 1,500
Most popular species: Gold dust day gecko and Leopard gecko.

Interesting fact The most well-known species of gecko is the leopard gecko, it is commonly kept as a pet. Leopard geckos always appear to be smiling, this is not because they are always happy, but because the way their head and mouth is shaped.

Take the Lizard Lab Quiz!

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Gila Monsters and Beaded Lizards Helodermatidae

This family contains the only venomous lizards in North America. Their venom is used for defense, not for killing prey. Both species are large, stocky, and slow-moving. They are dark-colored with yellowish or pinkish markings.

Geographical range: Southwestern United States, Mexico and Guatemala.
Habitat: Scrublands and deserts.
Diet: Rodents, small mammals, eggs of birds and reptiles.
No. of Species: 2
Most popular species: Gila monster and beaded lizard.

Interesting fact Gila monsters don't need to eat very often, they can store fat in their large tails. They are able to go months and even a year between meals.

Glass Lizards Anguidae

Most members of the Anguidae family have no legs. They move slowly and can be easy to catch. Like many lizards, they can drop their tail to distract a predator. Some species can also climb trees.

Geographical range: India, China, Indonesian islands, North Africa, South-Eastern United States.
Habitat: Wide range of habitat (desert, plains forest etc).
Diet: Slugs, hairless caterpillars, earthworms, young rodents, and small reptiles.
No. of Species: 94
Most popular species: Eastern glass lizard, Slow-worms.

Interesting fact These lizards don't have limbs and look a lot like snakes. The only things that identifies these reptiles as lizards is the shape of their head and the fact that they have movable eyelids and external ear openings.

Iguanas and Spinytail Iguanas Iguanidae

Green iguanas are one of the most popular pet reptiles in the United States. They are also among the largest lizards in the Americas. A typical green iguana is around 6.5 feet (2 meters) long and weighs about 11 pounds (5 kilograms).

Geographical range: Northern Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean Islands and Southern Brazil.
Habitat: Arboreal and marine.
Diet: Leaves, flowers, fruit, growing shoots, and sea weed.
No. of Species: Disputed (39 recognized).
Most popular species: Green iguana.

Interesting fact Average lifespan of an iguana in the wild is 20 years, however it is much shorter in captivity, since many owners do not have the appropriate knowledge to take care of iguanas.

Knob-scaled Lizards Xenosauridae

These lizards have round, bumpy scales and live near water. They are strong swimmers and hunt small fish and water insects. Many species are rare in the wild and are listed as vulnerable by the IUCN.

Geographical range: Central America and China.
Habitat: Semi-aquatic and semi-arid scrub environment.
Diet: Fish, tadpoles, snails, insects.
No. of Species: 7
Most popular species: Chinese crocodile lizard.

Interesting fact The Chinese crocodile lizard gets its name because of the rows of enlarged, bony scales down its back and a muscular tail (like that of a crocodile).

Legless Lizards Pygopodidae

Pygopods have tiny leftover back legs that look like small flat flaps. They use these flaps for defense and to help move through plants. Most species spend a lot of time burrowing underground.

Geographical range: Australia and New Guinea.
Habitat: Burrows/dense spinifex.
Diet: Insects, smaller lizards.
No. of Species: 35
Most popular species: Common scaly-foot.

Interesting fact The lack of limbs compensates for the amazing hearing sense that these lizards have. They can hear tones higher than any other reptile and they also have the ability to vocalize, emitting high-pitched squeak.

Madagascar Iguanids Opluridae

Opluridae has 7 species split into 2 groups. These lizards are found all over Madagascar. The most well-known species is the collared iguana.

Geographical range: Madagascar.
Habitat: Trees, rocks, sand dunes.
Diet: Insects, flowers (occasionally) .
No. of Species: 7
Most popular species: Collared iguana.

Interesting fact Madagascan iguanas have many features that are similar to normal Iguanas. Studies show that DNA of the two families split some millions years back, making them two different species.

Komodo Dragons Varanidae

This family includes the largest living lizards on Earth. Monitor lizards live in an enormous range of habitats, from deserts to forests. They have long necks, powerful tails, and strong claws that they use to tear meat and dig burrows.

Geographical range: Africa, South and South-East Asia, Indo-Australian islands and Australia
Habitat: Deserts, tropical rain forests, coastal areas, mountains.
Diet: Carnivorous.
No. of Species: 67
Most popular species: Komodo dragon and Monitor lizards.

Interesting fact Komodo dragons are the biggest and heaviest lizards on Earth. The largest Komodo dragon ever found was 10.3 feet (3.1 meters) long and weighed 366 pounds (166 kilograms)!

Frequently Asked Questions

How many types of lizards are there?

There are more than 5,600 species of lizards, grouped into around 40 families.

What is the biggest lizard in the world?

The Komodo dragon, which can grow over 3 meters long and weigh up to 166 kg.

Are any lizards venomous?

Only a few, such as the Gila monster and beaded lizard. Their venom is used for defense and is not fatal to humans.

What is the difference between a legless lizard and a snake?

Legless lizards have movable eyelids and external ear openings, while snakes have neither.

Neotropical Ground Lizards Tropiduridae

Most lizards in this family live on the ground. Their color, patterns, and even their size change to match the habitat they live in.

Geographical range: South America and the West Indies.
Habitat: ground-dwelling (yards and gardens).
Diet: Insects.
No. of Species: 119
Most popular species: Lava lizards.

Interesting fact When fighting for a mate, these lizards stand high on all fours, usually sideways to their opponent to maximize their apparent size and bob up and down.

Night Lizards Xantusiidae

Xantusiidae are very small lizards — just 4 cm to 12 cm long. They shelter under rocks and inside hollow tree trunks. Every species in this family gives birth to live young instead of laying eggs. Night lizards have a flat head and body. Like snakes, their eyes are protected by a see-through cover instead of eyelids.

Geographical range: South-Western and Central North America and Cuba.
Habitat: Rock crevices and damp logs.
Diet: Small insects, termites and plants.
No. of Species: 23
Most popular species: Desert night lizard.

Interesting fact Night lizards give birth to 1-3 young ones at a time. The young lizards live with their mother, father and siblings for one year. However, these young lizards, roughly the size of a toothpick, are not dependent on the parents.

Plated Lizards Gerrhosauridae

Some species in this family have four fully developed legs, while others have only tiny leftover back legs. Their thick coat of plate-like scales works like armour, making them very hard for predators to harm.

Geographical range: Africa and Madagascar.
Habitat: rocky crevices and sand dunes.
Diet: Live crickets, small amounts fruits and vegetables.
No. of Species: 34
Most popular species: Sudan plated lizard.

Interesting fact Plated lizards make excellent pets as they are usually quite tame and docile. Being omnivorous, these lizards quickly adapt and are commonly traded in pet shops as exotic lizards.

Skinks Scincidae

Skinks are the second most varied family of lizards, after geckos. Most have long, slim bodies, no obvious neck, and fairly small legs. Some species have no legs at all.

Geographical range: Australia, Central United States and South Asia.
Habitat: Desert, mountains, grassland and burrows.
Diet: Crickets, grasshoppers, beetles, caterpillars and small rodents.
No. of Species: 1200
Most popular species: Eastern blue-tongued lizard.

Interesting fact It is a misconception that the blue-tongued skink is a venomous species of lizard. The deep-blue tongue of the lizard contributes to this belief, but it is not true. Blue-tongued skink only displays its prominent blue tongue to intimidate potential enemies or when disturbed.

Spectacled Lizards Gymnophthalmidae

Spectacled lizards are generally small. Most species have reduced limbs, especially the back legs, which are often tiny or missing altogether. They look a lot like skinks.

Geographical range: Central America and South America.
Habitat: Deserts, mountains and rainforests.
Diet: Insects.
No. of Species: 200+ (disputed)
Most popular species: Leposoma rugiceps.

Interesting fact Spectacled lizards can see with their eyes closed. These lizards are called 'spectacled' because they have a transparent lower eyelids, which are movable (unlike geckos).

Spinytail lizards Cordylidae

These lizards have flat heads and flat bodies. Their most striking feature is the heavy armour of large, rectangular scales arranged in neat rows around the body and tail. Many species have rings of spines on their tail that they use for defense.

Geographical range: Southern and Eastern Africa.
Habitat: Crevices in rocky terrain, burrows and tree trunks.
Diet: Insects.
No. of Species: 71
Most popular species: Tropical girdled lizard.

Interesting fact The tropical girdled lizard is exported from Tanzania and Mozambique for the pet trade. With gentle handling and plenty of hiding places, they become excellent pets and can be trained to accept food from their owner's hand.

Tegus and Whiptails Teiidae

Tegus and whiptails are easy to spot by the large scales on their head and their forked, snake-like tongue. All species in this family have well-developed legs.

Geographical range: Northern and Central South America.
Habitat: Tropical forests.
Diet: Insects, fruits, seeds, various arthropods, small vertebrates, carrion and eggs.
No. of Species: 230
Most popular species: Gold tegu, Argentine black and white tegu.

Interesting fact Some species of whiptail lizards have all-female or nearly all-female populations. These lizard reproduce by parthenogenesis (process of asexual reproduction).

True or Wall Lizards Lacertidae

Lacertidae includes some of the most familiar lizards in the world. It is a large family with hundreds of species. These lizards have slim bodies, long tails, and a huge variety of patterns and colors. They have large scales on their head, tiny granular scales on their back, and rectangular scales underneath.

Geographical range: Europe, Africa, and Asia.
Habitat: Diverse (forest, grassland, desert, rocky arid areas)
Diet: Insects, seeds.
No. of Species: 200+
Most popular species: Italian wall lizard.

Interesting fact Most species of wall lizards are sexually dimorphic, which means that males and females have different patterns.

Wood Lizards, Clubtails Hoplocercidae

These lizards mainly live on the ground. They search tropical forests for small insects. Most species have spiny tails that they use to dig shallow hiding places in the soil. Scientists know very little about this family because they are so secretive.

Geographical range: Central and South America.
Habitat: Tropical forests.
Diet: Worms crickets and other small insects.
No. of Species: 10
Most popular species: Dunn's spinytail lizard.

Interesting fact Wood lizards are quick and often hide in burrows and under logs, and lead a very secretive life. This is one of the reasons why studies are not carried out on these lizards.

Are Lizards Dangerous to Humans?

Most lizards are not a danger to people at all. Bites from lizards are very rare, and most lizards are nervous and scared around humans. The Komodo dragon is the only lizard that can seriously hurt or kill a person. The Gila monster and beaded lizard are venomous, but their venom is not usually fatal to humans.

Word	Meaning
Reptile	A cold-blooded, scaly, air-breathing animal with a backbone. Lizards, snakes, turtles and crocodiles are all reptiles.
Squamata	The huge order of scaled reptiles that includes every lizard and snake on Earth.
Arboreal	Living mainly up in trees. Chameleons and many geckos are arboreal.
Camouflage	Colors or patterns that help an animal blend into its surroundings to hide from predators or prey.
Vestigial	A body part that has shrunk over millions of years and barely works any more, like the tiny leftover legs of a legless lizard.
Venom	A poison an animal injects through a bite. Only a couple of lizards, such as the Gila monster, are venomous.
Nocturnal	Active at night and resting by day. Many geckos and night lizards are nocturnal.
Parthenogenesis	A kind of reproduction where a female can produce young all by herself, with no father. Some whiptail lizards do this.

A List of Different Types of Lizards With Facts and Pictures

The Early Signs of Lizards