How long do lizards live? This is a question that many people have asked, and the answer may surprise you. Lizards come in all shapes and sizes, and they can be found all over the world. There are more than 6,000 different species of lizards, and they can live for a wide range of ages. In this article, we will take a look at some of the most common questions about lizard life spans. We will also discuss how you can help your lizard live a long and healthy life!
The Average Lizard Lifespan
Generally, the average lifespan of a lizard is between three and eight years. However, some lizards can live for up to 20 years! The type of lizard you have will also determine its life expectancy. For example, larger lizards such as iguanas tend to live longer than smaller species like geckos. [1]
The Average Lizard Life Cycle
Most lizards live an average of 5 to 10 years, depending on the species. This life cycle can be quite surprising as many people assume that lizards are short-lived creatures due to their small size and rapid growth rate. However, there have been cases where a few select species have lived up to 20 years in captivity. As with any other animal, the amount of care given to them plays a critical role in how long they will live.
Egg Period
Lizards lay eggs, which take around 8 weeks to hatch. As soon as they hatch, the life cycle begins and a baby lizard is born. Depending on the species of lizard and their living conditions, this can range from two months to one year. [2]
Juvenile Stage
Lizards reach sexual maturity at different ages depending on the species. For example, some take as little as two months to mature, while others may need over a year. Once they hit this stage, their life expectancy starts to increase significantly.
In the juvenile stage, lizards can live from five to 10 years, with most species falling into the middle of that range. Depending on the species and environment, individuals may outlive these estimates by a few years or much longer. [3]
Adult Stage
The lifespan of lizards varies greatly based on the species, but generally adult lizards typically live anywhere from 5 to 15 years. Most species of lizards that are kept as pets tend to have an average life expectancy of 8 to 10 years. This is due largely in part to the fact that they can be easily taken care of and stay healthy with proper nutrition and cage maintenance.
In the wild, however, most lizards have a much shorter lifespan due to predation and other environmental factors. Many only live for a few years before succumbing to their harsh habitat or becoming prey. Some of the longer-living lizard species in the wild include iguanas, geckos, anoles, monitors and skinks which can typically live up to 10 years with proper care. Chameleons are an exception as they usually live significantly shorter lives in the wild when compared to those kept in captivity due to their more specialized diet and habitat requirements.
What Impacts The Lifespan of Lizards?
Many factors can influence a lizard’s lifespan, such as their environment, diet, and health. Some lizards are also more prone to disease or injury than others. In order to help your lizard live a long and healthy life, it is important to provide them with the proper care and nutrition. This includes providing them with adequate food sources, a clean living environment, proper UV exposure, and regular vet checkups.
By understanding how long lizards live and what affects their lifespans you will be better prepared to take care of your reptile companion for years to come. With the right care and nutrition your lizard can live a happy and healthy life!
How To Extend The Life Of Your Pet Lizard
Lizards typically have shorter lifespans than other pets, such as cats and dogs. However, there are ways to extend the life of your pet lizard. Here are some tips for ensuring a longer, happier life for your reptile companion:
- Provide an ideal habitat – Make sure that you provide your pet lizard with a clean and comfortable environment that is large enough for them to move around in. This includes plenty of space, hiding places, climbing surfaces, temperature and light control, and proper food and water sources.
- Offer healthy nutrition – Feeding a nutritious diet is essential to keeping your pet healthy and extending their lifespan. A variety of fresh vegetables, fruits and calcium supplements should be offered regularly to ensure that your lizard has a balanced diet.
- Maintain proper temperature and humidity – Lizards are cold-blooded animals, so they can’t regulate their own body temperature like warm-blooded animals do. Therefore, it’s important to provide the ideal temperature range in their habitat along with proper humidity levels to keep them comfortable and healthy.
- Provide regular veterinary care – It’s important to have your pet lizard examined by a veterinarian every six months or so for checkups and parasite prevention treatments. Additionally, lizards often require routine dental work such as cleaning or extraction of damaged teeth which should be done regularly by a qualified reptile veterinarian.
By following these tips, you can help your pet lizard live a long and healthy life. With your help, they can enjoy many years of companionship with you! [4]
FAQ
How long do regular lizards live?
Regular lizards typically live up to 12 or 13 years in captivity and up to 10 years in the wild. However, some species such as iguanas, chameleons, geckos, monitors, anoles, and skinks can live longer with proper care.
Do lizards bite?
Yes, some lizards can bite if they feel threatened or are mishandled. If a lizard bites you, make sure to seek medical attention as soon as possible in case of infection.
Can lizards live 100 years?
When it comes to lizards, the answer is a resounding no. Lizards typically do not live beyond 20 years in captivity and even fewer in the wild. The oldest known recorded lizard lived only 28 years old.
The longevity of any particular species of lizard largely depends on its size, habitat, diet and natural predators. For example, smaller lizards are more likely to have shorter lifespans than larger ones because they are more vulnerable to predators and less able to find their own food sources due to their small size. Similarly, lizards living in hostile climates with few resources or harsh competition will also tend to live shorter lives than those in temperate regions that offer more variety in prey and better protection from the elements.
What do lizards hate?
Most lizards have an instinctive aversion to being handled and may also be irritated by loud noises, bright lights, and strong odors. Additionally, they can become stressed if their environment is not kept clean and regularly maintained. In general, it’s best to give your pet lizard plenty of space and ensure that the temperature and humidity levels in its habitat are properly adjusted to keep them comfortable.
Is it good to have lizards in the house?
Lizards can be great pets for those who are willing to provide them with proper care. They require a clean and well-maintained environment, along with regular veterinary checkups and nutritious meals. Lizards are relatively low maintenance compared to other pets, but they do need some attention and dedication from their owners in order to thrive.
Having lizards as pets can also have educational benefits; observing them in their habitat helps build knowledge about reptiles while learning how to take care of them helps develop responsibility. Furthermore, watching the antics of your pet lizard may bring you joy or even spark an interest in conservation or science!
Useful Video: LIZARD LIFE CYCLE | Animation
Conclusion
Though they don’t have particularly long lifespans, lizards are still interesting creatures that are fun to watch and care for. If you’re thinking about getting a lizard as a pet, do your research ahead of time to make sure you know what kind of care it will need. And if you already have a lizard, congratulations – you now have a new friend to enjoy!
References:
- https://a-z-animals.com/blog/lizard-lifespan-how-long-do-lizards-live/
- https://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=44100
- https://en.wikivet.net/Lizard_Reproduction
- https://sashvets.com/pet-advice/keeping-your-reptile-healthy/