The term lizard is commonly used in our daily life, but it is generally used in a restricted way, since the terms lizard and lizard do not differ from the point of view taxonomic, but rather in the use attributed to it due to the differences in size between these reptiles, since they can measure a few centimeters or reach enormous sizes that reach 3 meters in length. In this way, small individuals are usually called lizards and those with greater lengths are called lizards.
Biologically, these reptiles belong specifically to the order Squamata (reptiles with scales) and the suborder Lacertilia, which is made up of more than 5,000 species and within which we find different types of lizards or lizards, which we will talk about in this interesting article on our site.
Lizards of the Dibamidae group
This family is made up of individuals whose limbs have considerably reduced, however, the males have small hind limbs, which they use to hold on to the female at the time of mating. On the other hand, the lizards of the Dibamidae group are small in size, have elongated cylindrical bodies, are blind, and lack teeth. In addition, they are adapted to dig in the ground, so their habitat is underground, being able to live under rocks or trees that have fallen to the ground. This group is made up of 10 species distributed in two genera: dibamus (which contains almost all species) and anelytropsis The first group inhabits Asian and New Guinean forests, while the second is only present in Mexico. An example is found in the species Anelytropsis papillosus, which is commonly known as the Mexican blind lizard.
Iguania group lizards
With this group there has been some controversy regarding their classification within the types of lizards, however, there is agreement on in that they are representative within the Lacertilia and that, generally, are arboreal, although some are terrestrial, with rudimentary and non-prehensile tongues, except in chameleons. Some families have exclusively Europe, Africa, Asia and Oceania as habitats, while others also inhabit America.
Within the Iguanidae family, we can mention some representative species such as the green or common iguana (Iguana iguana), which can reach up to 2 meters in length and is fundamentally arboreal thanks to its strong claws. Another species that is among the iguanias is the collared lizard (Crotaphytus collaris), which inhabits parts of the United States and Mexico.
Within the iguania group, we also find those commonly known as chameleons, existing more than 170 species and having as a peculiar trait power change color, in addition to having good holding capacity on tree branches. Some peculiar species due to their small size are grouped in Brookesia spp. (Leaf chameleons), being typical of Madagascar. It is also interesting that we know of a group of the genus Draco, known as flying lizards or flying dragons (for example, Draco spilonotus), due to the presence of membranes lateral to the body that allow them great stabilization when traveling long distances between trees.
Gekkota Group Lizards
This type of lizard is made up of the Gekkonidae and Pygopodidae families, and between them they comprise more than 1,200 species. They may have small limbs or even lack them. On the other hand, they are commonly found in tropical areas and in the urban habitat, since due to their small size, they are part of many homes, feeding on insects that They frequent the houses. The species Sphaerodactylus ariasae is characteristic for being one of the smallest reptiles in the world and, In contrast to this, we have the Gekko gecko species, being one of the largest that can reach within the types of lizards. In fact, the Grenadine Gecko (Gonatodes daudini) is currently one of the most endangered reptiles in the world.
Lizards of the Scincomorpha group
The lizard species of the Scincomorpha group are one of the most numerous groups, with an important variety of species, specifically the Scincidae family. Its body is thin and the head is not well defined. They also have small limbs and a simple tongue. Several species have long, sharp tails, which can Detach to distract predators, as is the case of the wall lizard (Podarcis muralis), which generally inhabits human spaces. On the other hand, also characteristically is the family Gymnophthalmidae, which is commonly called spectacled lizards, since they can see with eyes closed, because the tissue of his lower eyelids is transparent.
Lizards of the Varanoidea group
In this group we find representative species such as the Komodo Dragon (Varanus Komodoensis), the largest lizard in the world The species Varanus varius is also a large lizard that inhabits Australia and has the ability to be terrestrial and arboreal, despite its size. On the other hand, a poisonous representative of this group is the species Heloderma suspectum or gila monster, which is greatly feared for its venom, but whichIt is not usually an aggressive animal , so it does not represent a threat to humans.
To learn more about these animals, we encourage you to read this other article on What do lizards eat? - Babies and adults.
Are lizards in danger of extinction?
Reptiles in general, as well as all animals, must be valued and respected, not only because they fulfill important functions within ecosystems, but also because of the inherent value that all forms of life on the planet have. However, lizards or lizards constantly suffer the pressure of current environmental problems , due to the destruction of their habitat or the hunting of these reptiles for various reasons. This is how many are on the red list of endangered species.
Although some of these animals can be poisonous and care must be taken to avoid accidents, most are harmless and do not represent any type of danger to humans.