Lizards are some of the most fascinating reptiles on the planet, and their diets are just as varied and intriguing.
Whether they’re darting through the desert, climbing through the jungle, or lounging in a home terrarium, lizards adapt their eating habits to their environment.
Understanding what lizards eat is essential for those who keep them as pets or want to learn more about these incredible creatures in the wild.
What Do Lizards Eat?
Lizards are an incredibly diverse group of reptiles, with over 6,000 species worldwide. As such, their diets can vary dramatically depending on their species, habitat, and size.
Generally speaking, lizards fall into three main categories when it comes to diet: carnivorous, herbivorous, and omnivorous.
- Carnivorous lizards primarily eat meat, such as insects, small animals, and other lizards.
- Herbivorous lizards thrive on a plant-based diet, including fruits, vegetables, and leafy greens.
- Omnivorous lizards enjoy a combination of plant and animal matter, making them highly adaptable in their feeding habits.
Understanding these distinctions is critical when caring for a pet lizard or observing lizards in the wild. Let’s break down these dietary categories further.
Carnivorous Lizards: Meat-Eaters
Carnivorous lizards are the hunters of the reptile world. They rely primarily on meat, with insects being their most common source of food.
These lizards are often active hunters, relying on speed, agility, and sometimes even ambush tactics to catch their prey.
Insects as a Primary Food Source
For many carnivorous lizards, insects form the bulk of their diet. Common prey includes crickets, grasshoppers, beetles, and spiders. In captivity, insects like mealworms and waxworms are often fed to pet lizards as a staple.
Types of Insects Lizards Eat
- Crickets: A popular food for many species due to their availability and ease of digestion.
- Mealworms: Rich in protein but should be fed sparingly due to their high-fat content.
- Roaches: Another common insect eaten by larger lizards like monitors.
- Ants and Termites: Small lizards, especially in arid regions, rely on these as a quick and easy food source.
Small Vertebrates: Rodents, Birds, and Fish
Larger carnivorous lizards, such as monitors or tegus, will sometimes eat small vertebrates. In the wild, these lizards may capture rodents, small birds, or even fish if they live near water sources. In captivity, feeding live prey like mice should be done cautiously and under supervision to ensure the safety of the lizard.
Lizards That Prey on Other Lizards
In some cases, larger lizards may hunt and eat smaller lizards. For instance, the Komodo dragon, the largest living lizard species, has been known to prey on smaller reptiles, in addition to mammals and birds. This behavior is more common in the wild and is often a survival tactic in regions where food is scarce.
Herbivorous Lizards: Plant-Eaters
While it may be surprising to some, many lizards thrive on a plant-based diet. Herbivorous lizards mainly consume vegetables, fruits, and leafy greens. These lizards are typically slow-moving compared to their carnivorous counterparts since they don’t need to hunt prey.
Vegetables and Leafy Greens
For herbivorous species like the iguana, vegetables are the foundation of their diet. Dark, leafy greens such as collard greens, mustard greens, and dandelion greens are highly nutritious and should be the bulk of their diet.
Fruits and Berries
In addition to vegetables, many herbivorous lizards enjoy fruits and berries. Mangoes, papayas, and strawberries are common treats, providing essential vitamins and hydration. However, fruits should be fed in moderation due to their high sugar content.
Nutritional Benefits of a Plant-Based Diet
Lizards that eat plants typically enjoy a longer lifespan, thanks in part to the slower digestion process and balanced intake of vitamins and minerals. A plant-based diet is also lower in fat, reducing the risk of obesity, a common issue in captive lizards.
Examples of Herbivorous Lizards
- Green Iguanas: One of the most well-known herbivorous species, primarily feeding on leafy greens and fruits.
- Uromastyx Lizards: Native to arid environments, these lizards feed on tough, fibrous plants and cacti.
Omnivorous Lizards: Eating a Mixed Diet
Omnivorous lizards enjoy the best of both worlds, consuming both animal and plant matter. These lizards are incredibly adaptable, and their diet often changes depending on food availability and the season.
What Do Omnivorous Lizards Eat?
An omnivorous lizard’s diet consists of a combination of insects, small animals, vegetables, and fruits.
For example, a bearded dragon in the wild might feast on crickets during the rainy season when insects are plentiful and switch to plants during the drier months.
Combining Plant and Animal-Based Foods
In captivity, omnivorous lizards like the blue-tongued skink or bearded dragon require a carefully balanced diet that includes both insects and vegetables. A typical meal might include crickets or mealworms, alongside leafy greens and occasional fruit.
Common Omnivorous Lizards and Their Diets
- Bearded Dragons: A popular pet species known for eating a combination of insects, vegetables, and fruits.
- Blue-Tongued Skinks: These lizards eat a variety of foods, including snails, insects, and vegetables.
Do All Lizards Eat Insects?
Many people assume that all lizards eat insects, but this is not entirely true. While the majority of lizard species do eat insects, especially carnivorous and omnivorous types, there are exceptions.
Which Lizards Prefer Insects?
Most small to medium-sized lizards, such as geckos, anoles, and chameleons, rely heavily on insects for sustenance. Insect-eating lizards tend to be fast and agile, enabling them to catch their prey with ease.
Benefits of an Insect-Based Diet
Insects are a rich source of protein and essential nutrients for lizards. They are also abundant in most environments, making them an easy and reliable food source for wild lizards.
Exceptions: Lizards That Don’t Eat Insects
As previously discussed, herbivorous lizards like iguanas do not eat insects. Additionally, some larger lizards like the Komodo dragon prefer larger prey and rarely rely on insects for food.
Specialized Diets of Exotic Lizards
Some lizards have evolved to eat highly specialized diets based on their unique habitats. For example, the horned lizard, native to the deserts of North America, feeds almost exclusively on ants.
Unique Food Sources for Rare and Exotic Lizards
Exotic species such as the Tokay gecko, native to Southeast Asia, feed on a range of invertebrates, while others like the marine iguana, found in the Galápagos Islands, dive into the ocean to feed on algae.
Lizards with Uncommon Diets
Certain lizards, like the Mexican beaded lizard, even exhibit carnivorous tendencies, feeding on birds, eggs, and small mammals. These species demonstrate how varied lizard diets can be across different ecosystems.
How Do Lizards Hunt and Capture Food?
Lizards use a variety of hunting techniques to catch their prey. Some rely on sheer speed and agility, while others use camouflage and patience to ambush their food.
Methods of Hunting Prey
Fast lizards like geckos and anoles often hunt actively, using quick movements to snatch up insects. On the other hand, larger lizards like monitor lizards and Komodo dragons may use their size and strength to overpower larger prey.
Speed, Agility, and Ambush Techniques
Lizards like chameleons use their long, sticky tongues to capture insects from a distance. Some species, such as the leopard gecko, use stealth to get close to their prey before launching a quick attack.
Lizards That Use Camouflage for Hunting
Many lizards, including the chameleon, rely on their natural camouflage to blend into their environment, allowing them to ambush prey that comes too close.
Seasonal Diet Changes in Lizards
Many lizards alter their diet based on the season, especially those living in regions with distinct wet and dry seasons.
How Seasons Impact Lizard Diets
During the rainy season, food is often abundant, and omnivorous lizards may consume more insects. In the dry season, they might rely more heavily on plants or smaller amounts of prey.
Food Availability in the Wild
In colder climates, lizards may go through periods of hibernation, during which their feeding habits slow down. Lizards in the wild must adapt to these seasonal changes in food availability to survive.
Adjustments in Diet Due to Weather Conditions
Lizards living in desert regions, such as the horned lizard, may have to adjust their diets based on the scarcity of prey. These reptiles may even store fat reserves to get through harsher conditions.
Nutritional Needs of Pet Lizards
Caring for a pet lizard means ensuring they get all the nutrients they need to stay healthy. Understanding the dietary requirements of your specific species is critical for their well-being.
Understanding Nutritional Balance for Pet Lizards
A balanced diet for pet lizards typically includes a mix of protein, vitamins, and minerals. For insectivorous species, gut-loaded insects (insects fed nutritious foods) can provide essential nutrients. For herbivorous species, variety in vegetables and the occasional fruit is key.
Commercially Available Food for Pet Lizards
Many pet stores offer commercially available food options for lizards, including live insects and specially formulated pellets for herbivorous species. While convenient, these should be supplemented with fresh food to ensure a well-rounded diet.
Supplements and Vitamins for Pet Lizards
Calcium and vitamin D3 supplements are often necessary for pet lizards, especially those that do not receive adequate exposure to UVB lighting, which is essential for calcium absorption.
What Not to Feed Lizards: Foods to Avoid
While lizards can eat a wide variety of foods, there are certain things they should never be fed, as they can be harmful or even toxic.
Harmful Foods for Lizards
Foods such as avocados, onions, and rhubarb are toxic to lizards and should be avoided. Additionally, high-fat foods like certain insects or fruits can lead to obesity in captive lizards.
Common Feeding Mistakes to Avoid
One of the most common mistakes in feeding lizards is offering too much protein or fat, especially for herbivorous and omnivorous species. Overfeeding or offering the wrong types of food can lead to health problems, including digestive issues and obesity.
Toxic Foods and Dangerous Substances
Some common household items, such as pesticides or cleaning chemicals, can also be dangerous if they contaminate a lizard’s food or water source. Always be mindful of what you’re feeding and the environment in which you’re keeping your lizard.
Feeding Habits and Frequency
Lizards have varying feeding habits depending on their species, size, and age. Understanding how often your lizard should eat is crucial for maintaining its health.
How Often Do Lizards Eat?
Most adult lizards should be fed every other day to once a week, depending on their species. However, younger lizards, which are growing quickly, often require daily feeding to support their rapid growth.
Feeding Frequency for Different Species
Carnivorous species, like leopard geckos, tend to eat less frequently but larger meals. Herbivorous lizards, like iguanas, should be offered fresh food daily, as they nibble throughout the day.
How Age Affects Lizard Feeding Patterns
Juvenile lizards need more frequent meals, especially those that are growing rapidly. As they age, their feeding frequency decreases, and their diets may change based on their nutritional needs.
Hydration and Water Sources for Lizards
Lizards require access to water for hydration, and ensuring they have an adequate water source is essential for their overall health.
Importance of Hydration in Lizard Diets
Water plays a critical role in digestion and maintaining metabolic function. Lizards can become dehydrated quickly, especially in dry environments, so keeping them hydrated is vital.
Sources of Water for Lizards in the Wild and Captivity
In the wild, lizards often get their water from dew, rain, or the food they eat. In captivity, it’s important to provide a shallow water dish or mist their enclosure regularly to ensure they stay hydrated.
Lizard Digestion: How They Process Food
Lizard digestion varies between species, with some processing food quickly, while others, especially herbivores, take longer to break down fibrous plant matter.
Digestive Systems of Different Lizard Species
Carnivorous lizards generally have shorter digestive tracts suited to processing protein-rich food quickly. Herbivorous lizards, on the other hand, have longer digestive systems designed to break down tough plant fibers.
How Lizards Break Down Different Foods
Protein-rich foods like insects and small animals are easier for lizards to digest compared to fibrous plants, which require more time and energy to break down. Omnivorous species strike a balance between these two types of digestion.
Common Digestive Issues in Lizards
Lizards can suffer from digestive issues such as impaction, where undigested material blocks their digestive tract. This can be caused by feeding them the wrong types of food or inadequate hydration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can lizards eat human food?
Most human foods are not suitable for lizards. While some fruits and vegetables can be fed to herbivorous or omnivorous species, processed foods, meats, and dairy should be avoided.
Do lizards eat every day?
Not all lizards eat every day. Some species, particularly larger carnivorous ones, eat less frequently. Juveniles often require more frequent meals than adults.
What do baby lizards eat?
Baby lizards typically eat smaller versions of what adults eat. Carnivorous species may start with small insects like fruit flies, while herbivorous species can be fed finely chopped vegetables.
How do I know if my lizard is getting enough food?
A healthy lizard will be active and maintain a steady weight. Regular feeding schedules and a balanced diet are essential for ensuring they are getting enough food.
Can lizards eat live or dead prey?
Most carnivorous and omnivorous lizards prefer live prey, as it stimulates their natural hunting instincts. However, some lizards can adapt to eating pre-killed prey, especially in captivity.
What do wild lizards eat compared to pet lizards?
Wild lizards typically have a more varied diet, eating whatever is available in their habitat. Pet lizards often have more controlled diets, which can include commercial food, live insects, and fresh vegetables.
Conclusion
Understanding what lizards eat is essential for providing them with proper care, whether in the wild or in captivity. From carnivorous species that rely on insects and small animals to herbivores that enjoy leafy greens and fruits, lizard diets are as diverse as the species themselves.
By offering a balanced and species-appropriate diet, you can ensure that your pet lizard stays healthy and happy for years to come.
