Amphisbaenians, Lizards, and Snakes - Order Squamata
Amphisbaenians, lizards, and snakes (Order Squamata) together make up a group of reptiles that are characterized by having skin that is covered with scales. Squamata also possess highly mobile quadrate bones. These bones, located in the upper jaw of amphisbaenians, lizards, and snakes, enables these animals to open their mouth very wide, enabling them to consume relatively large prey.
Amphisbaenians, Lizards, and Snakes (Squamata)
Amphisbaenians, Lizards, and Snakes (Squamata)
Amphisbaenians, Lizards, and Snakes (Squamata)
Komodo Dragon - Varanus komodoensis
Komodo dragons (Varanus komodoensis) are the largest of all lizards, they can grow to lengths of 3m and can weigh as much as 165kg. Komodo dragons belong to the Family Varanidae, a group of reptiles known more commonly as the monitor lizards. Adult Komodo dragons are dull brown, dark grey, or reddish in color, while juveniles are green with yellow and black stripes.
Komodo dragons (Varanus komodoensis) are the largest of all lizards, they can grow to lengths of 3m and can weigh as much as 165kg. Komodo dragons belong to the Family Varanidae, a group of reptiles known more commonly as the monitor lizards. Adult Komodo dragons are dull brown, dark grey, or reddish in color, while juveniles are green with yellow and black stripes.
Galapagos Land Iguana - Conolophus subcristatus
The Galapagos land iguana (Conolophus subcristatus) is dark brown to yellow-orange in color and has large pointed scales that run along its neck and down its back.
The Galapagos land iguana (Conolophus subcristatus) is dark brown to yellow-orange in color and has large pointed scales that run along its neck and down its back.
Guam's Wildlife Threatened by Invasive Snake
Sometime shortly after the end of World War II, an unwelcome predator found its way to the island of Guam: the Brown Tree Snake (Boiga irregularis). There is no way to know exactly how or when the snake arrived on Guam.
Sometime shortly after the end of World War II, an unwelcome predator found its way to the island of Guam: the Brown Tree Snake (Boiga irregularis). There is no way to know exactly how or when the snake arrived on Guam.
Jamaican Lizards Mark Territory at Dawn and Dusk
At dawn and dusk, Jamaican lizards engage in a lively display of strength to mark their territories. They bob their heads, they perform rigorous push-ups, and they extend their dewlap (a colorful flap of skin under their neck).
At dawn and dusk, Jamaican lizards engage in a lively display of strength to mark their territories. They bob their heads, they perform rigorous push-ups, and they extend their dewlap (a colorful flap of skin under their neck).
Lava Lizard - Microlophus albemarlensis
The lava lizard (Microlophus albemarlensis) is a native to the Galapagos Islands. Lava lizards are dark brown to reddish brown in color, their coloration varies depending on age, sex, and location.
The lava lizard (Microlophus albemarlensis) is a native to the Galapagos Islands. Lava lizards are dark brown to reddish brown in color, their coloration varies depending on age, sex, and location.
Marine Iguana - Amblyrhynchus cirstatus
The marine iguana (Amblyrhynchus cirstatus) is a large iguana that reaches lengths of 2ft-3ft. It is gray to black in color and has prominant dorsal scales.
The marine iguana (Amblyrhynchus cirstatus) is a large iguana that reaches lengths of 2ft-3ft. It is gray to black in color and has prominant dorsal scales.
Rhinoceros Iguana - Cyclura cornuta
The rhinoceros iguana (Cyclura cornuta) grows to a length of about 1 to 1.2 meters. Males are larger than females and develop larger horns. Its skin color is grayish-brown to olive green. The lifespan of wild rhinoceros iguanas is not known but a lifespan of 20 years has been recorded for captive individuals.
The rhinoceros iguana (Cyclura cornuta) grows to a length of about 1 to 1.2 meters. Males are larger than females and develop larger horns. Its skin color is grayish-brown to olive green. The lifespan of wild rhinoceros iguanas is not known but a lifespan of 20 years has been recorded for captive individuals.
Snakes' Skins Adapated to Deter Water Loss
Snakes, like all animals that live in arid climates, have evolved ways to conserve water and prevent dehydration. Now, scientists can explain how snakes' waterproof skins serve as effective moisture barriers.
Snakes, like all animals that live in arid climates, have evolved ways to conserve water and prevent dehydration. Now, scientists can explain how snakes' waterproof skins serve as effective moisture barriers.