What Do Small Lizards Eat
Small lizards are fascinating creatures with diverse dietary needs that vary by species. Whether you’ve found a tiny lizard in your garden or are considering one as a pet, understanding what these reptiles eat is essential for their health and wellbeing. This comprehensive guide explores the dietary preferences of small lizards and provides practical feeding advice.
Common Foods for Small Lizards
Small lizards typically consume a variety of foods depending on their species, habitat, and natural behaviors. Here’s a breakdown of their most common food sources:
Insects and Other Invertebrates
Insects form the primary diet for most small lizard species. These protein-rich food sources are readily available in the wild and provide essential nutrients:
– Crickets: A staple food for many small lizards, crickets offer excellent protein content and can be easily gut-loaded (fed nutritious foods before being offered to lizards)
– Mealworms: These larvae are high in fat and protein, making them an excellent food source for many lizard species
– Waxworms: Higher in fat content, these should be offered as occasional treats rather than staple foods
– Superworms: Larger than mealworms, these can be appropriate for medium-sized lizards but should be fed sparingly due to their high fat content
– Small roaches: Dubia roaches and other small species are nutritious options for many lizards
– Earthworms: Provide good nutrition and are readily accepted by many ground-dwelling lizard species
– Small snails: Some lizard species will consume small snails, shell and all
For wild lizards, experts recommend feeding them crickets and mealworms two to three times weekly, providing as many as they will consume during each feeding session.
Plant Matter and Fruits
While many small lizards are primarily insectivores, some species are omnivorous and require plant matter in their diet:
– Dark leafy greens: Kale, collard greens, and other nutrient-dense greens are excellent choices for omnivorous lizards
– Vegetables: Depending on the species, lizards may consume squash, bell peppers, and other vegetables
– Fruits: Some lizards enjoy small amounts of fruit, though this should typically be offered in moderation
It’s worth noting that while some lizards may nibble on garden fruits like strawberries, many small lizard species (such as brown anoles) are primarily insectivores and don’t typically consume fruits. Larger lizards like iguanas are more likely to be the culprits when garden fruits go missing.
Feeding Different Types of Small Lizards
Different lizard species have specialized dietary requirements:
Geckos
Leopard geckos and many other gecko species are insectivores that thrive on:
– Crickets
– Mealworms
– Dubia roaches
– Occasional waxworms or superworms as treats
Most geckos don’t require plant matter in their diet, though some species like day geckos may consume fruit nectars and soft fruits.
Anoles
These small lizards common in gardens across the southern United States primarily eat:
– Small crickets
– Fruit flies
– Small mealworms
– Other tiny insects
Skinks
Many skink species are omnivorous and will consume:
– Insects
– Small invertebrates
– Some plant matter and fruits
Feeding Very Small or Baby Lizards
Exceptionally small lizards or hatchlings require appropriately sized food items:
– Pinhead crickets: These newly hatched crickets are tiny enough for the smallest lizards
– Flightless fruit flies: Excellent for very small species or juveniles
– Small mealworms: Choose the smallest available for tiny lizards
– Baby roaches: Smaller dubia roach nymphs can work well
If a lizard is too small even for these food items, it may be too young to be away from its mother or natural habitat. In such cases, consulting with a reptile veterinarian or wildlife rehabilitator is advisable.
Nutritional Supplements
Captive lizards often benefit from nutritional supplements:
– Calcium powder: Essential for preventing metabolic bone disease, this should be dusted on feeder insects
– Vitamin D3: Helps with calcium absorption, especially important for indoor lizards without UVB exposure
– Multivitamin supplements: Used less frequently than calcium, these help prevent nutritional deficiencies
Garden Lizards and Their Diet
Garden lizards are typically opportunistic feeders that help control pest populations by consuming:
– Small insects like ants, flies, and beetles
– Spiders
– Small snails and slugs
– Occasionally, berries or other soft fruits (depending on species)
These lizards serve as natural pest control in garden environments, making them beneficial visitors rather than pests themselves.
Conclusion
Small lizards have diverse dietary needs that primarily center around insects and other invertebrates, with some species requiring additional plant matter. Understanding the specific requirements of the lizard species you’re dealing with is crucial for providing proper nutrition. Whether you’re feeding a wild garden visitor or a pet lizard, offering appropriately sized food items and ensuring nutritional balance will help keep these fascinating reptiles healthy and thriving.
For pet lizards, consulting with a reptile veterinarian or herpetologist can provide species-specific dietary guidance tailored to your individual pet’s needs and life stage.