Lizards are the largest known group of reptiles to exist and contain over 5,000 species.Though most lizards are inherently omnivorous in nature, the diet of different species of lizard differs according to their location, season as well as digestive capabilities. Though most smaller lizard species eat insects, there are larger lizards like the Komodo dragon and Monitor lizard which eat larger prey like small animals, other reptiles, and birds.These reptiles are commonly found in the wild, as well as in a lot of urban settings. They are quite adaptable, as most of them are omnivores. They are especially fond of insects like crickets, cockroaches, spiders, and flies, and will eat pieces of vegetables and fruit if given the chance. Though a lot of lizards are insectivores, there do exist a few species that are herbivorous in nature. To know about these remarkable reptiles, read on!If you enjoy this article, you can also check out our pages on what kangaroos eat and what iguanas eat.What do lizards eat at home?Though there are many species of lizards, the ones most commonly kept as pets are iguanas, geckos, and chameleons. Though most lizards eat a similar omnivorous diet, there are a few changes from species to species. So what exactly do pet lizards eat?Iguanas are very popular pet lizards that are found naturally in tropical habitats. They are primarily herbivorous in nature, which means that they should be fed foods like fruits and vegetables, leaves, and flowers only. Feeding green iguanas animal fats of any kind - like dairy, eggs, and meat - is considered unhealthy because their digestive systems are not well equipped to digest them. Iguanas can be fed green leafy vegetables, vegetables, and fruits in small portions. Some other herbivorous lizards that make great pets are the Uromastyx and Solomon island skinks.Bearded dragons are larger, gentle lizards that make great pets for families with kids. They are very docile and creating an emotional bond with them ensures a loving companion for a lifetime. For bearded dragons, the ideal diet consists of 75% insects like crickets and roaches, and other proteins, with 25% being leafy greens, vegetables, and a small amount of fruit. Feeding them live crickets and mealworms is preferable, as it makes them more eager to feed as well as provides them with exercise. Feeding them added supplements like calcium and multivitamins by dusting their food is advised as well.Chameleons are a very popular choice of a pet because of their camouflaging abilities. They are omnivores and follow a similar diet to bearded dragons and can be fed a variety of insects like crickets, mealworms, super worms moths, and Dubia roaches. The insects must be regularly gut loaded with nutritious food so that your chameleon can reap the full benefits of them. They will also eat leafy greens, vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and fruits like apples and oranges in small amounts as a treat. As chameleons are prone to Vitamin A and calcium deficiency, it is important to make sure that their diet offers them these nutrients in good amounts, or provide them in the form of supplemental powder or tablets.Geckos are one of the most common species of lizards and make for good pets. They are on the smaller side, which makes them easier to keep as pets in smaller spaces. They are also available in a wide range of colors and patterns, making them a very popular choice of pet for families. They are quite easy to care for, being insectivores, and can be fed a selection of insects, the best ones for them being crickets, roaches, super worms, and mealworms. Most geckos enjoy fruits as well, though they can be quite picky - with papayas, raspberries, bananas, and figs being their favorites. A lot of geckos are purely insectivorous, which means that they can not properly digest fruit and vegetables of any kind, so it is important to check up on what your pet gecko can or cannot eat before deciding on a diet for them.Make sure to only feed your lizards fresh and organic food, and avoid feeding them processed food or junk food, as they can contain preservatives or compounds which can prove toxic to reptiles. Though you can feed them canned or frozen insects, giving them live ones is preferable as it ensures freshness as well as stimulates their minds and bodies in the chase. Lizards drink a lot of fresh water as well, so make sure you always have a shallow dish of water available in their enclosure at all times.If you see a lizard in your backyard, it is most likely there to feed on some tasty insects! You don’t have to worry as wild lizards are very self-sufficient when it comes to feeding.What do baby lizards eat?Formulating a well-balanced, nutritious diet for baby lizards is very important as they are still in their growing stage, and need all the food they can in order to grow to their full potential. Depending on the species of lizards, they should either be fed a herbivorous diet, insectivorous, or a mix of both.As baby lizards are not great at chasing live prey, or may find them stressful to be around because of their restlessness, it is recommended to either feed them small, wingless insects or frozen ones. They should be fed smaller insects, as they may not be able to eat or properly digest bigger ones. The size of their prey must always be smaller than the gap between their eyes, as this will also prevent them from choking on the food. The best insects to feed insectivorous baby lizards are pinhead crickets, fruit flies, and bottle fly spikes. They can also be fed tiny pieces of meat like shrimp, and eggs. Baby herbivore lizards can be fed the same foods as adults - fruits and vegetables - but in smaller quantities and in tinier pieces.Though baby lizards are fed smaller portions than adults, they actually need to eat more times a day due to their fast metabolism and need for extra protein to fuel their growing bodies. Also, while adult lizards usually need to be fed only once every two to three days, baby lizards should be fed every day, and in a higher frequency. As they grow, the frequency of feedings can be decreased, and they can be fed bigger portions as well as prey.What do common lizards eat?In Asia, common lizards are mostly referred to as common house geckos (Hemidactylus frenatus). They are nocturnal in nature and come out at night to forage for food. They are omnivores, like most lizard species, and eat whatever they find. Though they are a wild lizard species, they are usually found in urban environments, in houses and other buildings. They feed mostly in common insects in and around the house, like cockroaches, lizards, butterflies, termites, ants, bees beetles and spiders.Another common lizard is the common lizard (Zootoca vivipara), which is found in open woodlands, parks and gardens in Europe and Asia. It is diurnal and hunts for insects during the day. It prefers basking in the sunlight and can be found on tree trunks or among piles of leaves or logs. Its diet consists mostly of invertebrates, and they commonly hunt down various types of flies, snails, beetles and spiders.What do lizards eat in the desert?Many different species of wild lizard can be found living in the desert, like desert iguanas, Gila lizards, bearded dragons, Chuckwallas, and horned lizards.The desert iguana is strictly herbivorous and makes its home in and around creosote bush growths- both to feed on its leaves and flowers as well as escape from the harsh desert heat. Other lizards like the collared lizard and bearded dragons feed on common insects found in arid regions, like beetles, crickets, cicadas, and dragonflies. Bigger reptiles like the wild Komodo dragon and Gila lizard have been observed taking on larger prey like small mammals, snakes, rodents, birds, frogs, eggs as well as other lizards! They eat meat rather than feeding on smaller insects, and have also been observed eating carrion on occasion where prey is not available.These lizards have evolved quite well to survive in the desert, and their bodies are equipped to conserve and reuse whatever water they take in. They usually get water from whatever meat, insects, and vegetation they take in.Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for what lizards eat then why not take a look at what rhinos eat, or green iguana facts.
Lizards are the largest known group of reptiles to exist and contain over 5,000 species.
