Fun Garden Lizard Facts For Kids

Have you ever thought and considered the life of a common garden lizard? Nobody is unfamiliar with a garden lizard as the habitat for these reptiles is present across most parts of the world. An oriental garden lizard or common garden lizard, or Eastern garden lizard, is an insectivorous lizard species that is spread widely across Asia and introduced to other parts of the world. They are also known as bloodsuckers or changeable lizards. These reptiles have a special ability to change their color, which helps them be safe from predators as well as catch their prey easily. The preferred habitat range of the native Oriental garden lizard is open forests and woodlands. They can make wonderful pets if you are fond of a green garden lizard.

Here are some fun, engaging, and interesting facts on the common garden lizard for your perusal. Afterward, do check our articles on other related reptile species, like monitor lizards and earless lizards.

‍

What type of animal is a garden lizard?

A garden lizard or common garden lizard, or oriental garden lizard is a lizard that is common in all parts of the world. These animals are also known as bloodsuckers, eastern lizards, Indian garden lizards, or changeable lizards, as they have the ability to camouflage. They are found in open habitats and even seen in heavily human-dominated environments. They are different from a common Garden Skink, which is native to western Australia.

What class of animal does a garden lizard belong to?

A garden lizard or Oriental garden lizard is a lizard that belongs to the reptilian class. These lizards come under the Squamata order of the Agamidae family. Its scientific name is Calotes versicolor, and its common name is the common garden lizard. They are also known as changeable lizards as they are camouflaged. They are also called bloodsuckers, but the reason for calling is still not known. They are called Roktochosha in the Bengali language, which means bloodsuckers, but they are not poisonous and do not harm humans.

How many garden lizards are there in the world?

There is no accurate estimate related to the total number of garden lizards in the world. They are a very common species and are widely spread across the world. Hence, their population is of the least concern at present.

Where does a garden lizard live?

A garden lizard or common garden lizard is found in all types of habitats and is very commonly seen sitting on top of rocks. They are found in Indo-Malaya regions as well as different parts of the world. Their native range includes Bhutan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, China, India, Malaysia, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and the list goes on.

What is a garden lizard's habitat?

The garden lizard or Oriental garden lizard prefers any open habitat. Their native range includes a number of habitats. They are seen in human-dominated environments like urban areas. They adapt well to humans.

Who do garden lizards live with?

Garden lizards or common garden lizards are sometimes seen in groups and alone as well.

How long does a garden lizard live?

Garden lizard has a lifespan ranging between one to 10 years. It may change according to their diet and environment.

How do they reproduce?

During the breeding season, male garden lizards try to impress females by inflating by showing their red forehead that becomes brightened at this time. They also inflate their throats and are highly terrestrial. Garden lizards or common garden lizards are oviparous. Female lays around 10-20 long, spindle-shaped garden lizard eggs after the mating process is over. These eggs are covered with leathery skin and are then buried under the soil that is moist.

What is their conservation status?

Garden lizards or common garden lizards have not been evaluated by the IUCN. They are a very common species, and their populations can be found across most countries in the world.

What do garden lizards look like?

A garden lizard is an insectivorous lizard that is spread widely across the world. Garden lizards are usually light brown, olive body color. But the color may change to red or black or a mixture of both as they are camouflaged. Their bodies are slender and elongated. Males are larger than females. They have a crest from head to tail.

How cute are they?

Garden lizard is a common species that are native to different parts of the world. They are not very cute in appearance.

How do they communicate?

Garden lizards communicate with each other by changing their color. Male garden lizards attract females by showing off their red-colored heads.

How big is a garden lizard?

A garden lizard has a length of around four to eight in (10.16-20.32 cm) and has a very long tail.

How fast can a garden lizard move?

Garden lizards or common garden lizards move very fast and are quick in their movements. But there are no accurate estimates of their running speed.

How much does a garden lizard weigh?

A garden lizard weighs around 1 oz (20 g).

What are the male and female names of the species?

As a garden lizard is a lizard, its species is c. versicolor. Both males and female garden lizards do not have any specific name and are known as males and females, respectively.

What would you call a baby garden lizard?

A baby garden lizard is called a hatchling.

What do they eat?

Garden lizards are carnivores and eat a variety of insects. Their primary diet includes small insects, ants, crickets, mites, spiders, flies, and worms.

The main predators of the garden lizard are large birds of prey like eagles, hawks, and falcons.

Are they poisonous?

Garden lizards are not poisonous at all and do not pose any threat to others.

Would they make a good pet?

Garden lizards can make good pets as they are of low maintenance. They also help in gardening as they eat insects that disturb the garden and control pest growth.

Did you know...

Female garden lizards usually mate with around 10 male garden lizards or more before laying eggs. This practice helps to have a healthy gene.

Hatchings of garden lizards are born predators and catch their prey within a few minutes of birth.

The temperature has a major role in deciding the sex of garden lizards. If the temperature is colder, then female lizards are born, whereas if the temperature is warmer, then male garden lizards are born.

Do garden lizards bite?

Garden lizards have teeth, and there is a possibility of biting. But they normally do not bite or harm humans. Their bites can be irritating but do not cause any harm.

Keeping garden lizards

Garden lizards can be kept as pets. These lizards are of low maintenance and do not require special care. These lizards normally feed on crickets and mealworms two to three times a day. Sufficient clean water should also be provided.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! For more relatable content, check out these sand lizard facts and Gila monster facts pages.

You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable garden lizard coloring pages.