What is the scientific name and taxonomy of lizards
Lizards are reptiles that fall under the order Squamata and class Reptilia. There are over 6,000 species of lizards that can be found in every continent except Antarctica. Lizards come in all shapes and sizes, and some are even legless. The smallest known species of lizard is the Sphaerodactylus ariasae, or the Jaragua lizard, which was discovered on an island off the coast of Dominican Republic. The measure of the adult lizards ranges between 0.63 to 0.71 inches in length.
On the other end of the spectrum is the Komodo Dragon (Varanus komodoensis), the largest living lizard in the world. The largest verified specimen reached a total body length of 10.3 feet and weighed over 160 kgs. Varanus komodoensis is found on the Indonesian Islands of Flores, Rinca, Gili Motang and Komodo. This lizard is the apex predator of its environment due to its sheer size. Moreover, the saliva of the komodo dragon is supposedly venomous, secreting a toxic cocktail of proteins as well as anticoagulants.
Another group of lizards that superficially resembles snakes are members of the family Pygopodidae. Hence, these animals are sometimes called legless lizards. Pygopodidae are different from snakes because they possess a notched tongue rather than a forked tongue. Furthermore, Pygopodids have an outer ear opening also as eyelids.
Scientific Name of Select Lizards
Slowworm – Anguis fragilis
Komodo Dragon – Varanus komodoensis
Common house gecko – Hemidactylus frenatus
Rock monitor – Varanus albigularis
Megalania – Varanus priscus (extinct)
Facts About Lizards
More than 6000 different lizard species can be found on Earth.
Lizards have the capability to move their eyelids .
Liards can be found almost everywhere.
Lizards can stay on land also, not necessarily in water.
There are different types and sizes of lizards.
FAQs on Scientific Name of Lizards Explained
1. What is the scientific name of lizards?
The scientific name commonly used for lizards is Lacertilia, though they are taxonomically grouped under the suborder Lacertilia (Sauria) within the order Squamata.
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Reptilia
- Order: Squamata
- Suborder: Lacertilia (Sauria)
2. Is Lacertilia the scientific name of all lizards?
Yes, Lacertilia (also called Sauria) is the scientific suborder that includes all true lizards. It is not a single species name but a higher taxonomic grouping. This suborder includes thousands of species such as geckos, iguanas, chameleons, and monitor lizards, all classified under the order Squamata.
3. What is the scientific name of the common house lizard?
The scientific name of the common house lizard is Hemidactylus frenatus. It belongs to the family Gekkonidae.
- Common name: Asian house gecko
- Order: Squamata
- Suborder: Lacertilia
4. What is the scientific name of the garden lizard?
The scientific name of the garden lizard is Calotes versicolor. It belongs to the family Agamidae.
- Common name: Oriental garden lizard
- Order: Squamata
- Class: Reptilia
5. What is the difference between Lacertilia and Squamata?
The main difference is that Squamata is the order, while Lacertilia is a suborder within it that includes lizards.
- Squamata: Includes lizards, snakes, and amphisbaenians.
- Lacertilia (Sauria): Includes only lizards.
6. What are some examples of lizards with their scientific names?
Some common lizards and their scientific names include well-known species from different families.
- House gecko – Hemidactylus frenatus
- Garden lizard – Calotes versicolor
- Komodo dragon – Varanus komodoensis
- Green iguana – Iguana iguana
- Chameleon – Chamaeleo chamaeleon
7. Why are lizards classified under the order Squamata?
Lizards are classified under Squamata because they possess scaled skin and movable quadrate bones in the skull. Key characteristics of squamates include:
- Body covered with keratinized scales
- Ability to shed skin (ecdysis)
- Flexible jaw structure
8. Are all reptiles with four legs classified as lizards?
No, not all four-legged reptiles are lizards; only those belonging to the suborder Lacertilia are true lizards. For example:
- Crocodiles belong to the order Crocodylia.
- Turtles belong to the order Testudines.
9. What class do lizards belong to in biological classification?
Lizards belong to the class Reptilia in biological classification. Their taxonomic hierarchy is:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Reptilia
- Order: Squamata
- Suborder: Lacertilia
10. What is the scientific name of the Komodo dragon?
The scientific name of the Komodo dragon is Varanus komodoensis. It belongs to the family Varanidae.
- Largest living species of lizard
- Order: Squamata
- Suborder: Lacertilia
