What’s tinier than your thumb or as a large as an alligator? Lizards!
I woke up on July 18, 2025, to a headline alerting me to a 5-foot Water Monitor lizard that was loose in Massachusetts. I live in Massachusetts. I paid attention. Apparently, a woman had brought the lizard to her Webster, MA home, even though it was illegal to do so without a permit, and it got loose. It jumped out of a second-floor window when a house sitter opened it.
Thankfully, it was recaptured after a couple of weeks on the lam. It got me thinking, do lizards make good pets? Which ones? What do we need to know about lizards so that we can make good choices for them and ourselves.
From tiny geckos to massive monitors, lizards are a diverse group with surprising traits. Here’s what you didn’t know you wanted to know about these scaly creatures.
1. What Exactly Is a Lizard?
Lizards are reptiles in the order Squamata, which they share with snakes. Unlike snakes, lizards usually have legs, external ear openings, and movable eyelids. There are over 7,000 species of lizards on Earth, and they come in every size and color imaginable.
2. Not All Lizards Are Small
The largest living lizard is the Komodo dragon, which can grow over 10 feet long and weigh more than 300 pounds. Native to a few Indonesian islands, Komodos are apex predators. The black-throated monitor, is the second-largest species of lizard commonly kept in captivity.
3. The Smallest Lizard Is Tinier Than Your Thumb
Meet the nano-chameleon (Brookesia nana), discovered in Madagascar in 2021. This tiny lizard measures just under an inch long—small enough to perch on a fingertip. Scientists believe it may be the smallest reptile in the world.
4. Can Lizards Regrow Their Tails?
Yes, many species can! Tail autotomy is a defense mechanism where lizards can shed part of their tail to escape predators. The tail later regenerates, although the new one may look a bit different.
5. Do Lizards Make Good Pets?
It depends. Some species like bearded dragons and leopard geckos are popular beginner pets because of their manageable size and docile nature. However, large lizards like monitors or iguanas require specialized care, massive enclosures, and can become aggressive if not handled properly.
6. Lizards Are Cold-Blooded—and That Affects Everything
Being ectothermic (cold-blooded) means lizards rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. This is why they bask on rocks in the sun—or under UV lamps in captivity. Without proper heating, they can’t digest food or move properly.
7. Some Lizards Change Color
The most famous color-changing lizards are chameleons, but other species, like anoles, can shift hues too. While it’s often thought to be purely for camouflage, color changes can also signal mood, temperature, or social status.
8. Lizards Live Almost Everywhere
Lizards can be found on every continent except Antarctica. From desert-dwelling Gila monsters in the American Southwest to arboreal geckos in the tropics, they’ve adapted to an astonishing range of environments.
9. If You See a Lizard in the Wild—Leave It Be
Most wild lizards are harmless and beneficial. They eat insects, help balance ecosystems, and generally want nothing to do with humans. If you spot an unfamiliar or unusually large lizard, don’t try to catch it. Call local animal control, as they may be dealing with an escaped pet, just like in Massachusetts.
10. What Lizards Do Vets Recommend as Pets? Start Small and Smart
Veterinarians often recommend bearded dragons, leopard geckos, and crested geckos as good starter lizards. These species are generally docile, eat readily available foods, and don’t require massive enclosures. Bearded dragons, in particular, are known for their easygoing temperament and friendliness. On the flip side, vets caution against adopting green iguanas or monitor lizards unless you’re very experienced. These larger reptiles need complex care, UVB lighting, precise humidity, and can grow too big for most homes.
The Takeaway
Whether they’re exotic pets, backyard insect hunters, or unexpectedly roaming the suburbs of Massachusetts, lizards are a fascinating and complex part of the animal kingdom. They’re not for everyone, but they’re far more than just scaly sideshows. From tiny nano-lizards to prehistoric-looking monitors, there’s a whole world of lizard life worth knowing.
10 Owl Facts That Show Why These Birds Are Nature’s Silent Assassins
READ: 10 Owl Facts That Show Why These Birds Are Nature’s Silent Assassins
With eyes like twin moons and a gaze that seems to see straight into your soul, owls have always felt a little otherworldly. They slip through the night without a sound, sparking legends of wisdom, mystery, and even magic. Yet, beyond their haunting beauty and eerie calls lies a world of extraordinary secrets—quirks of anatomy and behavior that are stranger, and more fascinating, than most people realize. Ready to have your mind blown? Here are 10 surprising facts about owls that will completely change the way you see these nocturnal hunters.
