Whether you keep pet lizards or not, there are several misconceptions about these reptiles that many people hold as truths. Fortunately, understanding the truth about lizards can help you to be more effective when caring for them as pets and avoiding dangerous situations when encountering them in the wild. Here are some of the most common myths and misconceptions about lizards that you should know.

Have you ever been told that lizards can’t be kept as pets?

There’s a rumor going around that lizards can’t be kept as pets. This is not true at all. There are tons of different species you can keep as pets if you choose to do so, though each species has its own set of care requirements that should be known by any lizard owner in advance. Lizard owners must understand what their pet needs to survive a long life with them! Of course, it isn’t fair to say that lizards aren’t good pets for everyone. The right lizard may well make a great pet for someone else – but whether or not one of these reptiles is a good fit depends on where you live and your willingness to put forth regular care efforts.

Have you ever been told that baby lizards die when they grow up?

One of these common myths is that baby lizards die when they grow up. While it’s true that a baby lizard will quickly grow when it first hatches from an egg, it doesn’t mean that those larger lizards will immediately die! It’s quite the opposite; lizards can make a dramatic change in their physical appearance because their bodies have adapted over time to be capable of making these changes. If you have any more questions about lizards or reptiles in general, don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of our reptile specialists today! Our team is happy to answer any questions you might have.

Have you ever been told that bearded dragons don’t make good pets?

Unfortunately, one of the biggest misconceptions about bearded dragons is that they’re not good pets. This has to do with how most people picture lizards (creepy, scaly creatures you wouldn’t want in your home). The reality is that bearded dragons are among some of the most friendly, trainable lizards on Earth. Anyone who has ever owned a bearded dragon can tell you what a pleasure it is to own such an awesome pet. They are soft, funny, and enjoy interacting with their owners. If you haven’t had a chance to own a bearded dragon or know someone who does – it’s time for some myth-busting: Bearded dragons make great pets!

Have you ever been told to keep your lizard in the dark?

Most likely, yes. The reality is that most lizards don’t need to hide from light; in fact, many prefer to bask in it (or sit directly under a light). Your lizard can suffer from vitamin D deficiency if it doesn’t get enough sunlight. Of course, there are some exceptions (some geckos are nocturnal) but your lizard will be just fine with a few hours of sunlight every day (be sure not to let them overheat).

Have you ever been told that leopard geckos only eat crickets?

Many owners of these charming reptiles are told by pet store employees or amateur breeders that leopard geckos only eat crickets. This could not be further from reality! A healthy leopard gecko diet will include a variety of different insects. This myth is likely perpetuated by those who want to sell you more crickets because they’re more profitable than other food options. Although most leopard geckos will happily consume crickets, they may prefer feeder roaches or superworms depending on their preferred prey type. With so many options available, it can be confusing to determine which type of food would be best for your lizard at any given time.

Have you ever been told not to let your lizard run free in the house?

One myth about lizards that are often repeated is not to let your lizard run free in a room. It’s said that they’ll damage carpets, furniture, and curtains. This myth may have come from people who own anoles or other large lizards. But a lizard like a leopard gecko only grows to a maximum of 8 inches (20 centimeters) in length, which means it can’t hurt anything unless it hops onto it for a snack. The truth is that most lizards are picky eaters (like cats) so even if they could make their way onto your furnishings they probably wouldn’t be able to figure out how to eat off them anyway!

Have you ever been told to look after your lizard by misting him with water?

Be careful where you get your information about lizards! Most reptiles indeed need to be kept in a moist environment but misting with water is not recommended. Water can cause harm by causing blisters, dryness, and swelling. If you decide to mist your lizard, use only distilled or purified water because they do not contain harmful minerals. Avoid tap water as it contains chlorine which will harm your pet. Make sure that their terrarium has proper ventilation so excess moisture doesn’t build up inside – but avoid forcing too much air circulation as it may dry out their skin over time.

Do you have a snake? Do you wonder why it acts strangely around you? Don’t worry! That could be normal behavior! Here’s how to read your snake’s body language to figure out exactly what he or she might be thinking and feeling…

Reasons snakes behave differently around humans

They’ve stressed: Snakes do stress out when you walk into their enclosure unannounced and approach them without warning. They don’t know if you’re a threat, so they will either try to hide from you (which could lead to biting) or lash out at you in defense—and snakes’ first line of defense is always to bite first and ask questions later! Some species are more defensive than others, so it’s always important to look up information about a specific breed before visiting an owner’s home, especially if young children are present. Reptiles also have excellent memories, so if they remember something stressful happening while they were in a certain place with a certain person, they may still feel anxious or threatened when someone returns even after several months have passed.

They’re too hot or cold: Just like people, reptiles can overheat or get frostbite just as easily as they can become hypothermic. This happens most often during winter months but can happen year-round depending on how warm/cold your house is kept. If you’ve been outside all day in freezing temperatures and come inside to find that your reptile has been left alone all day without proper heating, then yes, there’s a good chance he’ll be cranky upon seeing you! The same goes for leaving him outside during summer heat waves without access to shade and fresh water; he’ll likely want nothing to do with you once he gets back inside. Temperature regulation is one of your biggest responsibilities when it comes to keeping your pet healthy and happy.

They’re hungry: Snakes are carnivores by nature, so if they haven’t eaten in a while (like overnight), chances are pretty good that their blood sugar will be low when you walk into their enclosure. When an animal’s blood sugar drops too low, it becomes irritable—and if its natural reaction isn’t to flee from danger but rather lash out at whatever startled it, then we have a problem! Hungry snakes may also try to eat anything near them when approached by someone holding food (including hands!), so if yours has ever bitten you before while feeding him, consider using tongs instead of fingers next time.

They’re not feeling well: Just like us, reptiles can get sick and catch diseases just as easily as they can get colds and flu. If you notice any changes in your pet’s behavior or appetite, take him to see his vet immediately. If he does have something wrong with him, then giving him time and space for his body to fight off infection is much more humane than forcing interaction upon a sick animal who doesn’t feel well enough for human interaction yet.

Snakes are found throughout the world, in all types of environments, including deserts and forests. With such wide distribution, it’s no surprise that there’s a lot of variation in the physical characteristics of snakes. Each species has its unique morphology (body shape). In this article, you’ll find out how the anatomy and structure of snakes vary from one species to another, as well as how it varies depending on the snake’s habitat.

Snake Anatomy

They slither, they hiss, and sometimes they scare us half to death. Though we’re frightened of snakes, many people don’t know much about them beyond what we’ve picked up from scary movies. If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about these feared reptiles (and a few not-so-feared ones), here’s your chance to get up close and personal. Here are six facts about snake anatomy that will help you better understand these mysterious creatures.

1. What Are They Made Of? Snakes are vertebrates, which means they have a backbone. This makes them very different from other reptiles like turtles or crocodiles. And while there are over 3,000 species of snakes in the world today, all share some common traits—including scales and limbless bodies that allow for easy movement through tight spaces or even water (if it’s nonvenomous).
2. How Long Can They Get? While most snakes aren’t exactly big—some grow as long as 15 feet!—the reticulated python is considered one of the longest in existence; it can reach lengths over 30 feet!
3. Do All Snakes Have Fangs? Not all snakes have fangs, but those who do use them primarily for hunting. Some venomous species also use their fangs to inject poison into their prey before eating it whole.
4. Why Do Snakes Shed Their Skin? Like humans, a snake’s skin gets old and needs replacing every once in a while—usually after molting it several times. But unlike humans, snakes can shed their skin without any pain or irritation thanks to an enzyme called hyaluronidase, which helps break down old tissue so new skin cells can take its place during shedding season.
5. Where Is Their Brain Located? The brain of a snake is located at its lower end because when they move forward, they push their brains forward with each step!
6. Did You Know That There Are Two Kinds of Snakes? Most people think that all snakes are poisonous, but actually, only two kinds are venomous: pit vipers and elapids. Pit vipers include rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouths, and bushmasters; elapids include coral snakes, cobras, mambas, kraits, and sea snakes. However, there are lots of snakes out there that aren’t venomous, including boa constrictors and pythons.

Snake Skin

Most snakes have thick, protective scales that cover their entire body. These scales are shed and replaced regularly, usually after several hours or days depending on the species. Snake scales help protect them from predators, temperature changes, and abrasion. Many snakes have special cells called melanocytes in their scales, which give them color variations like bands and blotches. Different species also vary significantly in scale size and shape, as well as texture. Some snake skin feels smooth while other types feel rough to the touch. For example, python skin feels leathery while water snake skin is slimy—this adaptation helps keep these particular animals hidden when they are hunting or basking in sun-warmed water.

Mouth and Jaws

Some snake species have venomous fangs located in their mouths. These snakes use their fangs to inject venom into prey and then swallow it whole. The severity of snakebites can vary depending on a variety of factors, including how much venom is injected, how deep your wounds are, and whether you have any allergic reactions to certain proteins. If you get bitten by a snake, seek medical attention immediately so you can be administered antivenom if necessary and treated for any damages inflicted on your body. Even if it’s not poisonous, a bite from a large snake could take weeks to heal! Make sure all anti-venom and medicines are stored away from children or pets in case they get into them accidentally.

Eyes, Ears, Tongue, and Nose

The eyes of a snake are round, tubular, and set on either side of its head. They have vertical-slit pupils and lack eyelids. While some snakes can’t see well, many rely on their sense of sight to hunt for food and catch potential threats. Snakes also have very sensitive ears that let them pick up on vibrations in their surroundings so they can locate prey and feel if there are any predators around—including humans. The majority of snakes also have tongues that don’t flick as lizard tongues do—instead, they’re tipped with a sticky substance that helps snakes consume all kinds of prey including insects, frogs, and birds.

Body and Tail

A snake’s body and tail are made up almost entirely of one large muscle. It has a flexible spine that allows it to move with exceptional dexterity, even though its backbone is poorly defined. A long and powerful tail helps a snake balance while moving; it also acts as a rudder during swimming, allowing serpents to conserve energy by moving at lower speeds. The skin on both parts is loose but strong; they rely on their scales to protect them against predators. The scales overlap in regular rows or circular patterns, except for along each side where they form keels—raised ridges that run down either side of the body and act like keels on boats, keeping water from flowing over them when swimming at speed.

Conclusion

The snake’s name is derived from its distinctive slit-like eyes and a forked tongue that hangs out in front of its mouth.  These features help it see, smell, and taste prey without having to move around much. Although snakes are reptiles, their bodies are covered with scales rather than feathers or fur. Snakes can be found on every continent except Antarctica, although they are less common on islands due to their inability to swim long distances over open water. Most snakes lay eggs but some give birth to live young. There are about 3,000 species of snakes worldwide with about 450 species found in North America alone!