Facts about Lizards

1. 08

   Komodo dragons, the largest living lizards, can reach lengths of 10 feet and weigh up to 300 pounds, making them apex predators in their Indonesian island habitat.

   LizardsMay 14sharemeasurementbiologypredator
2. 07

   Anoles can shed their entire skin in one piece every 4 to 8 weeks and typically consume the shed skin to recover lost nutrients.

   LizardsMay 14sharebiologymetabolismadaptation
3. 06

   Gila monsters and beaded lizards are the only venomous lizards in North America, producing toxic saliva delivered through grooved teeth in their lower jaws.

   LizardsMay 14sharebiologyvenomgeography
4. 05

   Chameleons can move their eyes independently in different directions simultaneously, with each eye rotating up to 270 degrees to scan for prey and predators.

   LizardsMay 14sharebiologysensoryadaptation
5. 04

   A basilisk lizard can run across water surfaces for up to 4.5 feet by moving its legs at 5 times per second, earning the nickname Jesus Christ lizard.

   LizardsMay 14sharebiologylocomotionbehavior
6. 03

   In 1912, a tuatara specimen lived for 111 years in captivity, making these reptiles among the longest-lived lizard-like creatures on Earth.

   LizardsMay 14sharelongevityancientrecord
7. 02

   Some geckos can detach their tails when threatened, and the severed tail continues thrashing for up to 30 minutes to distract predators while the lizard escapes.

   LizardsMay 14sharedefensebiologyadaptation
8. 01

   The frilled lizard of Australia can run at speeds up to 30 kilometers per hour when threatened by predators.

   LizardsMay 13sharebiologymeasurementbehavior