Scientific Name of Lizards - Detailed Explanation with Images

Overview

Lizards are a diverse group of reptiles belonging to the order Squamata and class Reptilia. There are over 6,000 documented species of lizards scattered across the globe, with the exception of Antarctica. Lizards exhibit a wide array of physical characteristics, including some species that lack limbs. The smallest known lizard is the Sphaerodactylus ariasae, also referred to as the Jaragua lizard, found on an island near the Dominican Republic. Adult Jaragua lizards range from 0.63 to 0.71 inches in length.

The Komodo Dragon (Varanus komodoensis) , on the other hand, is the largest living lizard. The biggest recorded specimen had a total body length of 10.3 feet and weighed over 160 kgs. The Komodo Dragon, found on the Indonesian Islands of Flores, Rinca, Gili Motang, and Komodo, is the dominant predator in its habitat due to its massive size. Interestingly, the Komodo Dragon's saliva is considered venomous, containing a toxic mix of proteins and anticoagulants.

The family Pygopodidae includes a group of lizards that bear a strong resemblance to snakes, earning them the nickname "legless lizards." Pygopodids differ from snakes in that they have a notched tongue instead of a forked one. Additionally, Pygopodids have external ear openings and eyelids.

Scientific Names of Certain Lizards

• Slowworm – Anguis fragilis
• Komodo Dragon – Varanus komodoensis
• Common house gecko – Hemidactylus frenatus
• Rock monitor – Varanus albigularis
• Megalania – Varanus priscus (extinct)

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Additional Reading:

• Scientific Names of Common Animals and Plants
• Reptilia – Characteristics And Classification
• Amphibia – Characteristics And Classifications
• Key Differences Between Amphibians and Reptiles