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There are 22 families of lizards, comprising approximately 3,750 species. About 20 species are commonly kept in captivity. The green iguana is the most popular. There are two poisonous species, the Gila monster and the Mexican beaded lizard, although you are unlikely to see them often in practice.

There are 22 families of lizards, comprising approximately 3,750 species. About 20 species are commonly kept in captivity. The green iguana is the most popular. There are two poisonous species, the Gila monster and the Mexican beaded lizard, although you are unlikely to see them often in practice.

==Identification==

==Identification==

Given the range of species, identification can be difficult. However, the most common lizards you are likely to see in practice can be viewed here.

Given the range of species, identification can be difficult. However, the most common lizards you are likely to see in practice can be viewed here.

'''Green Iguana'''

'''Green Iguana'''

Iguana iguana. The green iguana is the most common pet lizard and is found free-ranging in the tropical and subtropical regions of Mexico to Southern Brazil. This herbivorous lizard often suffers from metabolic bone disease in captivity due to inadequate husbandry. A suitable temperature range is 29-39°C.

Iguana iguana. The green iguana is the most common pet lizard and is found free-ranging in the tropical and subtropical regions of Mexico to Southern Brazil. This herbivorous lizard often suffers from metabolic bone disease in captivity due to inadequate husbandry. A suitable temperature range is 29-39°C.

'''Skink'''

'''Skink'''

Corucia zebrata. The prehensile-tailed skink is a very large skink. They reach a maximum length of 80cm, half of which is composed of a fully prehensile tail. The dorsal surface has a grey/green background and is speckled black. The chin is yellow and the underside pale. They have become popular terrarium animals due to their easy husbandry, large size and unusual appearance.

Corucia zebrata. The prehensile-tailed skink is a very large skink. They reach a maximum length of 80cm, half of which is composed of a fully prehensile tail. The dorsal surface has a grey/green background and is speckled black. The chin is yellow and the underside pale. They have become popular terrarium animals due to their easy husbandry, large size and unusual appearance.

'''Monitor Lizard'''

'''Monitor Lizard'''

Varanus spp. Monitor lizards are mostly large powerful predators or carrion eaters. The family includes the savannah monitor (varanus exanthematicus), Nile monitor (varanus niloticus) and the Komodo dragon (varanus komodoensis).

Varanus spp. Monitor lizards are mostly large powerful predators or carrion eaters. The family includes the savannah monitor (varanus exanthematicus), Nile monitor (varanus niloticus) and the Komodo dragon (varanus komodoensis).

'''Green Anole'''

'''Green Anole'''

Anolis carolinensis. Green anoles are diurnal and semi-arboreal. They are slender lizards with long tails (fragile and readily lost) and a pointed head. They will grow from hatchling (5 to 6cm) to small adult size in 6 to 8 months and, if maintained properly, have a typical lifespan of 3 to 6 years.

Anolis carolinensis. Green anoles are diurnal and semi-arboreal. They are slender lizards with long tails (fragile and readily lost) and a pointed head. They will grow from hatchling (5 to 6cm) to small adult size in 6 to 8 months and, if maintained properly, have a typical lifespan of 3 to 6 years.

'''Bearded Dragon'''

'''Bearded Dragon'''

Pogona vitticeps. This lizard is diurnal. Adults grow to 50 cm and have a blunt arrow-shaped head. Scales along the skin of the throat and the side of the head and body have specialized into spiny points.

Pogona vitticeps. This lizard is diurnal. Adults grow to 50 cm and have a blunt arrow-shaped head. Scales along the skin of the throat and the side of the head and body have specialized into spiny points.

'''Chameleon'''

'''Chameleon'''

Chamaeleo spp. Chameleons are considered among the more delicate of lizards. Anatomical differences from other lizards may include astonishingly long tongues, ability for colour change, oppositely opposable digits and prehensile tails. They are generally viviparous.

Chamaeleo spp. Chameleons are considered among the more delicate of lizards. Anatomical differences from other lizards may include astonishingly long tongues, ability for colour change, oppositely opposable digits and prehensile tails. They are generally viviparous.