Snakes and lizards have a ton of similarities between them, but they are two separate types of animals. Let’s learn about the differences between snakes and lizards, and also how they’re alike.
What Are Lizards and Snakes?
Lizards and snakes are both reptiles and belong to the order of Squamata. Over 10,000 species of animals belong to this group, with lizards having the most diversity. Squamata also includes amphisbaenians, or worm lizards, and is the largest group of reptiles. Lizards and snakes are closely related to one another and have many common features shared. They share features found across reptiles but are more closely related than other reptile orders. Common traits in lizards and snakes:
Scales cover their bodyA majority of them are ectothermic (regulates body temperatures by outside sources such as sunlight)Both are vertebrates with an evolved quadrate boneTheir tongues flick out of their mouth and pick up scentsBoth are reptiles and belong to the order of Squamata
Lizards and snakes have tons of similarities as they are close relatives, but there are a lot of differences between these animals as well. At first glance, they are easily told apart, but there are much more differences that you may not know about.
Unique Snake Traits Compared to Lizards
An estimated 3,000+ snake species inhabit the world, with new species discovered regularly. Snakes may be closely related to lizards, but there are many unique things about them that are different. While both of these animals belong to the order of Squamata, snakes are in the suborder of Serpentes. The snake’s body type is easily distinguishable, as they have no legs or appendages. Snakes like the boa have small vestigial legs that are not capable of doing anything and are present on there from past evolutionary experiences. The lack of legs means that snakes must move by utilizing the muscles in their body to get around, using a movement called rectilinear locomotion. Snakes also have no eyelids and are not able to blink. Since they have no earholes, snakes use the vibration of the ground to hear, using their inner ear. A big difference between these two animals is how they eat. Snakes have teeth optimized for swallowing since they eat their prey whole. They have four different types of fangs. Some snakes have specialized teeth to administer venom when bitten, while others, like the hognose snake, administer venom by nibbling on prey. Almost all snakes swallow their food whole when eating and stretch their mouths. Snakes are more likely to be venomous, and there are around 600 different types of species of venomous snakes. Lizards are much less dangerous, but there is a large diversity of them to be found.
Why Lizards Are Unique
Lizards are much different than snakes, and there are around 4,675 different types of species in the world. Lizards and snakes can be easily told apart, but with such a wide amount of lizards in the world some can look quite unique. Glass lizards are a species that looks more like a snake, but is classified as a lizard. They have no legs or appendages and look more similar to the average serpent. Legless lizards and other lizard species are able to blink and have eyelids. Lizards also have ear holes to hear, which is present in glass lizards. Here are common differences that lizards have when looking at their body appearance:
Most Lizards have four legsLizards have ear holesLizards have longer tails Some species of lizard can shed their tail Lizards can blink and have eyelids
Traits of Lizards
There are a large variety of lizards in the world, and some species will have traits unique to them. Some examples are the frill of a frilled dragon and the wings of a Draco lizard. Snakes may have slight and amazing differences like patterns or scales, but they are nowhere near as diverse as the abundant species of lizards that can be found in the world. Snakes are more likely to be venomous, as there are only around 100 species of lizard that are capable of forming some type of venom. Some examples of venomous lizards are the Komodo dragon and the Gila monster. Venomous lizards are rare to come across. Lizards also have better vision than snakes, and some species have evolved to have great eyesight. Chameleons see in a range of 360 degrees and geckos have amazing night vision. The variety of lizard species have great senses suited for their lifestyle, and usually have better senses than a snake.
How Lizards and Snakes Interact in the Wild
Lizards and snakes will often come across each other in the wild, as they are found in the same types of habitats. Snakes are dominant predators in areas they live and may feed on the native lizard species. Lizards usually feed on insects, but larger species are capable of eating snakes. When large enough a lizard will be a dominant predator in the area it lives. Lizards like monitor lizards are some of the most dangerous species and will feed on a variety of animals including snakes. While lizards and snakes may be different, both play an important role in keeping a balanced ecosystem. Smaller reptiles help control the population of species of insect, and mammals but are also a valuable food source for larger predators. When looking at lizards and snakes, there are many things that are alike, but also a plethora of differences to appreciate.
