Lizards, with their captivating movements, curious eyes, and vibrant patterns, hold a unique allure as pets. If you’re drawn to these reptilian wonders and considering welcoming one into your home, you might be wondering which species are most commonly found as pets. You’ve come to the right place!
This guide will introduce you to ten of the most popular types of Pet Lizards, providing insights to help you choose the perfect scaled companion for your lifestyle.
Before diving into the diverse world of pet lizards, let’s ensure you’re prepared to provide a suitable home. Ask yourself these essential questions:
- Space: Do you have adequate space for a terrarium that accommodates the adult size of your chosen lizard species?
- Location: Can the terrarium be placed on a stable, elevated surface, away from the reach of curious children or household pets like dogs and cats?
- Diet: Are you comfortable with providing live food, such as insects or appropriately sized rodents, if required by the lizard’s diet?
- Child Supervision: If you have children, are they mature enough to understand and follow guidelines for safe and gentle interaction with a lizard, including the importance of handwashing after handling?
- Commitment: Are you ready to dedicate the time and care necessary for the well-being of a pet lizard, which can include daily feeding, habitat maintenance, and observation?
If you answered “yes” to these questions, you’re well on your way to becoming a responsible lizard owner! Let’s explore ten remarkable lizard types that could become cherished members of your family.
1. Bearded Dragon: The Docile Desert Dweller
The Bearded Dragon, affectionately nicknamed “beardie,” hails from the Australian continent. Renowned for their adaptability to varying temperatures and humidity levels, they are often recommended as excellent starter reptiles for beginner enthusiasts. Bearded dragons are known for their calm and friendly disposition, often enjoying gentle handling. As omnivores, their diet is diverse, consisting of both plant and animal matter, including insects like crickets and mealworms, alongside nutritious greens such as collard and dandelion greens.
2. Chameleon: A Master of Color Change
Chameleons encompass a vast family with over 200 species, with popular choices including the Veiled Chameleon, Jackson’s Chameleon, and Pygmy Chameleon. Among these, the Veiled Chameleon, originating from Saudi Arabia and Yemen, is known for being relatively more tolerant of interaction. However, chameleons are generally not fans of excessive handling and are best appreciated within their meticulously designed habitats. Occasional, brief handling sessions, allowing them to walk across your fingers before returning to their enclosure, can provide sufficient stimulation. Veiled Chameleons are insectivores, thriving on a diet of crickets, mealworms, superworms, waxworms, and roaches, supplemented with essential calcium and vitamin powders.
3. Crested Gecko: The Arboreal Acrobat
The endearing Crested Gecko originates from the islands of New Caledonia. These geckos are known for their tolerance of handling, often relishing the opportunity to explore on your hand or arm. Their docile nature and ease of care make them a suitable pet for families with older children who can handle them gently. Crested Geckos are omnivorous and thrive on commercially formulated gecko diets, supplemented with feeder insects like crickets and mealworms, and occasional treats of diced tropical fruits.
4. Green Anole: The Speedy Little Lizard
Green Anoles, and their brown counterparts, are commonly observed in the southeastern United States, including states like Georgia and South Carolina. While not aggressive, their remarkable speed makes them more suited for observation than handling. Their quick movements and active nature are captivating to watch, making them an engaging pet for patient teenagers or adults who appreciate observing their natural behaviors. Anoles are insectivores, primarily feeding on insects and spiders, with small crickets being a favored food source.
5. Iguana: The Gentle Giant (of Lizards)
Unlike many lizard species that remain relatively small, Iguanas can reach impressive lengths of three to six feet and weigh up to 20 pounds. Native to Central and South America, they can make excellent pets for adults prepared for their larger size and specific needs. While generally calm, it’s important to be aware that they can bite if they feel threatened, and their bite can be painful due to their strong jaws. Iguanas are herbivores, with a diet focused on leaves, flowers, and fruits. Suitable food options include dark leafy greens, dandelions, clover, marigolds, apple blossoms, bell peppers, and cucumbers. Commercial iguana pellets can also be incorporated into their diet.
6. Leopard Gecko: The Popular and Hardy Choice
The Leopard Gecko originates from the Middle Eastern regions of Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, and India. They are widely recognized for their hardiness and docile temperament, making them a popular choice in pet stores and among reptile enthusiasts. In their natural habitat, Leopard Geckos are insectivores, hunting insects for sustenance. As pets, they flourish on a diet of crickets, mealworms, waxworms, superworms, and roaches, ideally supplemented with a nutrient-rich gut-loading cricket drink to enhance the nutritional value of their insect prey.
7. Monitor Lizard: For the Experienced Reptile Keeper
Around 80 species of Monitor Lizards inhabit the diverse landscapes of grasslands, savannas, and rocky terrains across Africa, Asia, and Oceania. The Savannah Monitor is often considered a suitable pet option, primarily for experienced adult reptile keepers due to their specific care requirements and potential size. When handled gently from a young age, Savannah Monitors can become docile and calm as adults. Dietary needs vary among monitor species; Savannah Monitors kept as pets thrive on an insectivorous diet consisting of crickets, mealworms, waxworms, and roaches.
8. Blue-Tongue Skink: The Curious Omnivore
Blue-Tongue Skinks are native to the woodlands and fields of Australia, New Guinea, and Indonesia. As juveniles, they may exhibit nervousness around humans, but with consistent gentle interaction, such as allowing them to walk on your hands, they typically mature into docile adult pets. The Blue-Tongue Skink is an omnivore, requiring a varied diet. In captivity, they benefit from a mix of chopped vegetables like carrots and mustard greens, nutritious greens like dandelion greens, and insects such as crickets, mealworms, and waxworms.
9. Tegu: The Intelligent and Docile Giant
Tegus are South and Central American lizards commonly found in countries like Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina. Species like the Argentine Black and White Tegu, Red Tegu, and Gold Tegu have also been observed in Florida. Tegus are known for their intelligence and generally docile nature, but they can grow up to four feet in length, making them most suitable for experienced reptile handlers who can provide appropriate housing and care. As omnivores, their diet is diverse, including fruits, eggs from ground-nesting birds, smaller reptiles, and rodents.
10. Uromastyx: The Vegetarian of the Lizard World
The Uromastyx, also known as “uro” or dabb lizard, originates from North Africa, the Middle East, and south-central Asia. Uros are recognized for their gentle disposition. However, it’s worth noting that they may exhibit a tail whip or audible gasp if startled, especially while resting. Uniquely among these pet lizards, Uromastyx are primarily herbivores. Their diet should consist of a variety of greens, such as dandelion, collard, mustard, turnip, endive, and bok choy leaves, with a supplement of grated squash, carrots, or sweet potato. They also enjoy grass seeds, safflower seeds, and may occasionally accept a cricket as a treat.
Quick Tip for a Smooth Transition: Before bringing your new pet lizard home, ensure you have a fully set-up reptile habitat ready and an initial supply of food on hand. This preparation will significantly ease the adjustment for both you and your new scaled companion.
Choosing the right pet lizard for your household is an exciting decision! To delve deeper into lizard and gecko care, explore resources on habitat requirements, safe handling techniques, and feeding practices to ensure you provide the best possible environment for your new pet lizard.
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