| Tuesday, June 17, 2008 |
| Lizard Facts |
There are almost 6000 species of reptiles in five families. The largest group of reptiles is the LIZARDS with about 3000 species. Most lizards are 4-legged, but a few have only 2 legs and others are legless. Lizards live in diverse environments and are the most geographically widespread of the reptiles. In size, lizards can range from 2 inches to 10 feet in length. Only two species, Gila Monsters and Beaded Lizards, are venomous.
Many Central Americans love the taste of the common iguana so much that they call it "gallina del palo," or "chicken of the tree."
Many lizards can change colors in seconds to match their surroundings.
The scaly skin of a lizard is made of keatin, the same substance that forms human fingernails.
Lizards have crude third eyes on top of their heads that senses whether it's day or night.
Texas horned lizards can squirt blood from their eyes. Some can hit enemies up to 10 feet (3 m) away.
Basilisks have amazing running skills. When threatened, these lizards take off on their hind legs, eventually building up enough speed to run on water.
A flying dragon avoids danger by opening two large, winglike flaps of skin and gliding from tree to tree.
The lizard steers with its tail. Marine iguanas can dive as deep as 50 feet (15 m) underwater to feed on algae.
The Gecko lizard is the only reptile with a true voice.
Some lizards' tongues are longer than their entire bodies. |
posted by Reptile Fellow @ 12:23 AM  |
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