List of Different Types of Reptiles

Turtles are one type of reptile.

All reptiles are cold-blooded egg layers that breathe air. They also have 5 digits on their hands and feet, a 3- or 4-chambered heart and scales on their skin. These distinct characteristics place them in the taxonomic class Reptilia. According to the Smithsonian National Zoological Park, there are 8,240 species of reptiles on 6 continents. However, the species can be grouped into four main types of reptiles: lizards, crocodilians, chelonians and snakes.

Lizards

With more than 4,000 types of lizards, few characteristics are shared by all of them. All lizards have overlapping scales and small heads compared to their bodies. They have external ears and movable eyelids. Most lizards have four legs with claws on each toe, but some lizards have two or no legs. Most lizards are omnivorous, but some are carnivorous or herbivorous. Lizards range in size from 0.6 inches to 10 feet in length. Types include geckos, chameleons, anoles, skinks, bearded dragons, iguanas, monitors, Gila monsters and Komodo dragons.

Chelonians

Chelonians are turtles, tortoises and terrapins. The large shell covering a chelonian's back distinguishes the group from other reptiles. Chelonians do not have any teeth, instead using their beak-shaped jaw to bite plants, insects or fish. Chelonians range from 3 inches to 8 feet in length. All turtles are strong swimmers, even the species with webbed feet instead of flippers. Turtles spend most of their time in the water, but turtles with feet will also burrow in the mud and climb on their surroundings. Tortoises live in hot, dry climates where they use their rounded legs to find shelter when it is too hot. Terrapins live on both the land and the water, particularly in wetlands.

Crocodilians

Crocodilians include crocodiles, alligators, caimans and gharials. Crocodilians are distinguished from other reptiles because of their large muscled tail, internal ears and non-overlapping scales. Crocodilians are tropical and subtropical carnivores that range in size from 5 to 20 feet. Crocodiles have a narrow, triangular snout and live in saltier environments. Alligators have a broader, U-shaped snout and are more common in freshwater. Caimans are small alligators found in Central and South America. Gharials use their very narrow snouts with a bulbous tip to eat fish in the rivers of India.

Snakes

Snakes have no feet, but unlike footless lizards, snakes have no eyelids or external ears. Snakes are carnivorous and found in nearly every habitat, including the sea. Their flexible bodies lend to their slithering motion and allow them to spread out to draw in heat and curl up to conserve the heat. The 3,000 species of snakes range in length from 4.5 inches to 33 feet. Some species are harmless and small, but some species are venomous or constrictors. Species include vipers, anacondas, pythons, garter snakes, garden snakes, corn snakes and rattlesnakes.

References

• Smithsonian National Zoological Park: Fun Facts about Reptiles and Amphibians
• San Diego Zoo: Lizards
• San Diego Zoo: Turtle & Tortoise
• Sea World: Crocodiles & Alligator
• San Diego Zoo: Snake