What Do Lizards Eat

Lizards are fascinating reptiles with diverse dietary needs that vary significantly across species. Understanding what lizards eat is essential for both pet owners and those curious about the wild lizards in their backyard. This comprehensive guide explores the varied diets of different lizard species, from insectivores to herbivores and everything in between.

The Diverse Diets of Lizards

Lizards have evolved to thrive in various habitats around the world, and their diets reflect this diversity. While many people assume all lizards eat insects, the reality is much more complex. Depending on the species, lizards may be:

– Insectivores (primarily eat insects)
– Herbivores (primarily eat plant matter)
– Omnivores (eat both plant and animal matter)
– Carnivores (eat other animals, including smaller lizards)

Common Foods for Pet Lizards

If you’re keeping lizards as pets, their dietary requirements will depend on their species. Here’s what different pet lizards typically eat:

Insects and Other Live Foods

Most pet lizards require some form of live food in their diet. Common insect foods include:

– Crickets (a staple for many species)
– Mealworms
– Dubia roaches
– Waxworms (as occasional treats)
– Superworms
– Black soldier fly larvae

These insects should typically be “gut-loaded” (fed nutritious foods) before being offered to your lizard and dusted with calcium and vitamin supplements to ensure proper nutrition.

Fruits and Vegetables for Lizards

Many lizard species, especially omnivores and herbivores like bearded dragons and iguanas, require fruits and vegetables as part of their diet. According to PetMD, suitable options include:

– Yellow squash
– Collard greens
– Lettuce (avoiding iceberg lettuce, which has little nutritional value)
– Turnip greens
– Apple
– Honeydew melon

As one backyard lizard enthusiast noted, “Our bearded dragon adores mango but won’t eat strawberries,” highlighting that individual preferences can vary even within species.

Specialized Diets of Wild Lizards

Wild lizards have evolved specialized diets that help them thrive in their natural habitats:

Horned Lizards: The Ant Specialists

Horned lizards demonstrate just how specialized lizard diets can become. According to a recent discussion on r/reptiles, “Horned lizards are incredibly hard to care for. Their diet is between 90 and 97% ants. JUST ants. And only certain, native species at that.” This extreme dietary specialization makes them nearly impossible to keep as pets.

Stream-Dwelling Lizards

Dr. Earyn McGee’s research on Sceloporus Jarrovii (Yarrow’s Spiny Lizard) revealed that these lizards have adapted to eat “emerging aquatic insects from stream systems.” This specialized feeding behavior shows how lizards can exploit ecological niches for food sources.

What Do Backyard Lizards Eat?

The common lizards you might spot in your garden or yard typically have simpler diets. According to backyard observations, “Most lizards eat bugs and greens.” These wild visitors primarily consume:

– Small insects like ants, flies, and beetles
– Spiders
– Worms
– Small arthropods

Some may also nibble on berries or other soft fruits that fall to the ground. Creating a pesticide-free garden can help provide a natural food source for these beneficial backyard residents.

Feeding Very Small or Wild Lizards

If you’ve found a very small lizard or are wondering about feeding wild lizards, experts on Quora suggest: “Feed wild lizards as many crickets and mealworms as they will eat, two to three times each week. Offer dark greens such as kale, collard and other greens as well.”

However, it’s important to note that:

1. Wild lizards are generally best left to find their own food
2. Attempting to keep wild-caught lizards as pets often leads to poor outcomes
3. Very small juvenile lizards need appropriately sized food items (pinhead crickets or fruit flies)

Common Feeding Mistakes to Avoid

When feeding pet lizards, avoid these common mistakes:

– Feeding insects that are too large, which can cause impaction
– Offering only one type of food, leading to nutritional deficiencies
– Forgetting to dust insects with calcium supplement
– Providing fruits and vegetables that are inappropriate for your species
– Overfeeding high-fat treats like waxworms

The Importance of Research

Each lizard species has unique dietary requirements. Before acquiring a pet lizard, thoroughly research its specific needs. What works for a bearded dragon won’t work for a crested gecko or a blue-tongued skink.

Conclusion

Lizards have evolved remarkably diverse diets, from the highly specialized ant-eating horned lizards to omnivorous species that enjoy a varied menu of insects, fruits, and vegetables. Whether you’re caring for a pet lizard or simply curious about the wild ones in your backyard, understanding their dietary needs is crucial for their health and wellbeing.

For pet owners, providing the right balance of nutritionally complete foods is essential for your lizard’s long-term health. For those enjoying wild lizards, creating a pesticide-free environment with native plants can help support these fascinating reptiles with their natural food sources.

Remember that each lizard species has evolved specific dietary adaptations, making it important to research the particular needs of any lizard in your care rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach to lizard nutrition.