For people of all ages, learning about animals is really fun! This is particularly true when it comes to reptiles. There is an incredible amount to learn about these fascinating creatures. If you are considering buying a pet reptile or simply love to learn as much as you can, we encourage you to study up on the subject and be as knowledgeable as possible.
A few of our favorite reptile facts include:
#1 Every reptile has scales. If you looked at a snake, lizard, and turtle, you may think they don’t have much in common. This may be partially true, but they do share one common trait: scales. These scales are made of keratin, which is the same biological material that forms hair and finger nails. Scales prevent reptiles from drying out in the sun while also providing tough protection against the teeth and claws of other animals.
#2 There are 10,000+ reptile species! In fact, the known species of reptiles around the world keeps rising. This makes them more diverse than mammals and amphibians. The reptile family includes lizards, turtles, alligators, crocodiles, and snakes. Reptiles are found on all continents except Antarctica. They are so numerous because they are able to thrive in deserts, oceans, rivers, lakes, swamps, rain forests, and cities.
#3 Reptiles come in many different shapes and sizes. The smallest known reptile is the lizard Brookesia nana, which is only 0.53 inches long. On the other end of the spectrum, the largest reptile is the saltwater crocodile, which can weigh over a ton. That is a really, really big reptile! The reticulated python is considered the longest living reptile. The world record was a 32 foot reticulated python that was found in Indonesia. Thankfully, this was seen in 1912 and no current snakes have measured this large!
#4 Reptiles can’t stay warm on their own. Because they are cold blooded, they need the sun or a special heating lamp to keep their body healthy. They must bask in the sun to raise their internal body temperature to have enough energy to hunt, mate, escape from predators, and digest food. This is one reason it is so important to set your pet reptile’s home up successfully.
#5 Some species have really amazing abilities. There is a reason reptiles are so fascinating! Snakes and most lizards can smell using their tongues. Tortoises can live well over 100 years. Chameleons are known for their ability to change color. The list goes on!
There is so much to learn beyond this! As one of the oldest and most diverse groups of animals, reptiles have many interesting qualities. At Jabberwock Reptiles, we are the reptile experts! We could talk about these smart, interesting, and well-evolved animals all day long. If you have any further questions, we encourage you to reach out to us and ask. Whether you’re shopping for a new pet, want to make your current pet as happy and healthy as possible, or simply have a reptile question, we are here for you! We can be reached at 781-729-0135 or JabberwockReptiles@gmail.com.
