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Lizards are reptiles. There are over 6,000 species of lizards, occurring commonly in diverse habitats across all continents except Antarctica, and they range in size from giant Komodo dragons to tiny geckos which are a few centimeters long. As might be expected in a large group of animals that differ considerably in their size, lifestyles, and ways of hunting, lizards have a wide variety of food preferences.
Lizard feeding categories
Lizards can be grouped into one of four groups based on diet:
Lizards that predominantly eat insects and small invertebrates
Such lizards are called insectivores, and examples include most pet lizards, such as geckos and anoles. These lizards hunt and feed on insects such as flies, crickets, grasshoppers, moths, ants, and termites. invertebrates eaten by insectivores include snails and slugs.
Lizards that only eat meat
Lizards that only eat meat are called carnivores, and they feed on a variety of animals, including mice, rats, large insects, rabbits, molluscs, crabs, fish, and frogs. Some large lizards, like the Komodo dragon, eat large mammals such as deer, goats, water buffalo, and pigs. However, there are some lizards that eat other small lizards. The collared lizard is one example of a lizard that eats other small lizards as part of its main diet.
Lizards that only eat plants
These lizards, which are called herbivores, are very rare and make up less than 3% of all lizard species. Many adults of iguanids are herbivores that eat plant parts like flowers, leaves, stems, and fruit. Common vegetables that are known to be safe and healthy for lizards include dandelion greens, carrots, squash, tomatoes, spinach, and bell peppers.
Lizards that have a diet of both plants and meat
The kind of lizards that eat both plants and meat are referred to as omnivores. These lizards include bearded dragons, blue-tongued skinks, and crested geckos, and they eat eggs, small animals, leaves, berries, grasses, and fruits. Depending on the lizard species, the ratio of plants to meat can range from 10 to 80%. Fruits that can be fed to lizards include apples, bananas, grapes, figs, peaches, and many other fruits.
How do lizards catch their prey?
Lizards evolved multiple techniques to help them hunt and forage for food. These techniques include camouflage, venom, and long tongues designed to catch prey .
Pet lizards
Many kinds of lizards have been domesticated as pets. Unless you are planning to have the Komodo dragon in your home, then there is no need to worry about what your pet lizard would eat, as your reptile will probably eat similar food as it would while living in the wild. However, it is quite important to remember that a balanced diet is important to keep your pet lizard healthy.Lizards also need fresh water daily, and many also need supplemental nutrients. One can buy pellet and packaged lizard foods from the local pet store.
Something to think about as an owner of a pet lizard:
• Wash your hands every time before and after touching your pet.
• Provide healthy and ample food for your lizard to keep it happy and healthy for a long time.
• Call a veterinarian if your reptile is sick or injured.
Glossary
Invertebrates: animals that do not have a backbone
Prey: an animal that is caught and killed by another for food
Species: a group of living organisms consisting of similar individuals capable of interbreeding
Readability: 64.9
Flesch Kincaid Grade Level: 7.9
References
David, Johnathan. What Do Lizards Eat? Diet In The Wild And As Pets. https://www.everythingreptiles.com/what-do-lizards-eat/
Hess, Laurie. What Do Lizards Eat? September 16, 2016. https://www.petmd.com/reptile/care/evr_rp_what-do-lizards-eat
Sather, Patrick. What Do Lizards Eat? November 19, 2021. https://a-z-animals.com/blog/what-do-lizards-eat/
18 Things Lizards Like To Eat Most (Diet, Care & Feeding Tips). https://www.atshq.org/what-do-lizards-eat/
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