Lizards are a common pet and can be found in many backyards. They are interesting creatures that have long been the subject of fascination and study.
In this article, we will answer some common questions about lizards, including how long they live. We will also provide useful tips to help you take care of your lizard.
How Long Do Lizards Live?
Lizards are a type of reptile that can be found all over the world. They come in all different shapes and sizes, and some can even live for over 100 years! But how long do lizards typically live?
The lifespan of a lizard depends on a few different factors, including the species of lizard, its size, and its environment. For example, small lizards like geckos typically live for about five to ten years in the wild. Meanwhile, larger lizards like Komodo dragons can live for up to 30 years.
There are a few things that you can do to help your lizard live a long and healthy life.
- First, make sure to provide your pet with a habitat that meets all its needs. This includes a warm temperature, plenty of hiding places, and a source of food and water.
- Second, take your lizard to the vet for regular checkups to make sure that it is healthy and to catch any problems early on.
- Finally, handle your lizard gently and carefully to avoid stressing it out. [2]
African Fat-Tailed Gecko
The African fat-tailed gecko is a small and hardy lizard with an impressive span of 20 years or more in captivity. These animals can be found living throughout West Africa.
Scientists have not yet discovered their natural habitat, but they are studying this species to find out more about them in case they become extinct.
These lizards make an excellent pet for any experienced or beginner alike. They’re docile and easy to handle, not known as aggressive towards humans at all. [2]
Bearded Dragon
The lifespan of a bearded dragon is usually 15 years, but they can live up to 20 in captivity.
Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means they can eat both plants and animals. They will usually eat insects, but some people who own them have found that they will also eat vegetables and fruits as treats.
Blue-Tongued Skink
The Australian blue-tongued skink is a popular pet because it’s easy to care for and has an inactive disposition. In the wild, these lizards live up to around 20 years but only half as much in captivity!
When considering adopting a blue-tongued skink as your new pet, it’s important to be prepared for their large size and escape artist nature. Providing them with the proper enclosure will ensure they stay safe in yours!
If you want your blue-tongued skink to be healthy and happy, make sure that their diet includes a variety of insects. These lizards are omnivorous so they can eat anything from bugs or fruit all the way up into vegetables. [2]
Crested Gecko
The crested gecko is a unique species of lizard that can live for up to 20 years in captivity! These amazing animals are only found on the island of New Caledonia.
They typically have a lifespan of 15 years, but with proper care they can live much longer than that. Sometimes they even reach adulthood at 3 inches long from head to toe!
The gentle and social nature of the Crested Gecko makes it one of the best kept pets around. This lizard is low-maintenance and does not need a lot of special care.
You can keep it in a small enclosure and it will be happy. Make sure to give it some scratches on its head every once in a while.
Green Iguana
The green iguana is a popular pet lizard that can live up to 20 years in captivity. They are native to Central and South America and can grow to be over six feet long.
Green iguanas are popular pets because they are docile and large. However, they require a lot of care and space, so not everyone can take care of them. If you are thinking about getting a green iguana, make sure you do your research to make sure you can provide the necessary care for your new pet. [2]
Northern Alligator Lizard
The Northern Alligator Lizard is a species of lizard that is found in North America. This species of lizard can live up to 20 years in captivity, but the average lifespan in the wild is unknown.
The Northern Alligator Lizard is a carnivore. It eats insects, spiders, and other small animals. This species of lizard also eats small mammals and reptiles.
The Northern Alligator Lizard is an opportunistic breeder. It will mate with any available female. The female will lay a clutch of eggs and the young will hatch after about two months.
How To Extend A Lizard’s Lifespan?
- Provide your lizard with a spacious habitat that includes hiding places, climbing surfaces, and basking areas. A larger enclosure allows your lizard to move around and explore, which helps reduce stress levels.
- Offer a varied diet that includes both live and frozen food items. Feeder insects should be dusted with calcium powder to help prevent metabolic bone disease.
- Use a hygrometer to make sure the humidity levels in the enclosure are correct. This is especially important for desert-dwelling lizards.
Take your lizard to the vet for regular checkups and to get any necessary vaccinations. By following these simple guidelines, you can help your lizard stay healthy and live a long life.
Provide The Proper Shelter
To ensure your lizard has a long and healthy life, you need to provide it with the right shelter. This means creating an enclosure that is similar to its natural habitat.
To keep a desert-dwelling lizard healthy, you will need to provide it with a tank that has warm, dry areas for basking and hiding, as well as good ventilation.
For rainforest-dwelling lizards, you’ll need a much larger enclosure with lots of foliage, hiding spots, and places to climb. You will also need to provide a humidity level of 70% or higher. This can be done with a misting system or by placing a bowl of water in the enclosure.
Provide Food And Water
Lizards are ectotherms, which means they rely on the environment to regulate their body temperature. In the wild, they bask in the sun to warm up and hide in the shade to cool down.
If you keep lizards as pets, it is important to provide them with a basking spot that is about 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit). You can use a basking lamp to create this environment.
If you’re not sure what kind of food to give your lizard, consult a veterinarian or pet store employee. Some lizards are meat eaters and need to eat insects, while others are plant eaters and need vegetables.
Keep Your Lizard Happy
One way to ensure your lizard has a long and healthy life is by providing it with the proper care. This includes everything from housing to food to temperature.
Lizards are unique creatures that come in all shapes and sizes. Some common species include geckos, skinks, chameleons, and iguanas. While they may seem low-maintenance, these reptiles still have specific needs that must be met in order to keep them healthy and happy.
One of the most important things you can do for your lizard is to provide it with a proper enclosure. The size and type of enclosure will depend on the species of lizard you have. For example, desert-dwelling lizards will need a tank with a hot side that maintains a temperature between 95 and 110 degrees Fahrenheit.
On the other hand, tropical lizards will do best in a glass terrarium with a warm side that’s between 80 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit and a cool side that’s between 70 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The terrarium should also have a humidity level of 50 to 60%.
No matter what type of lizard you have, the enclosure should include hiding places, perches, and toys. Hiding places give your lizard a sense of security, while perches and toys provide mental stimulation and help prevent boredom.
It’s important to research what type of food your specific lizard needs and to ensure that the insects you feed them are properly gut-loaded. Gut-loading is the process of feeding insects a nutritious diet before you feed them to your lizard. This ensures that your lizard is getting the nutrients it needs.
You should also provide your lizard with fresh water daily. Some lizards will also need a bowl of salt water for bathing.
FAQ
How Long Do Most Lizards Live?
The average lifespan of a lizard is about six to eight years. However, some species of lizards can live up to 20 years or more if they are kept in captivity.
Some factors that influence a lizard’s life span are its size and type of lizard, as well as its environment. Generally speaking, smaller lizards have shorter lifespans than larger ones. For example, geckos typically live six to eight years while iguanas can live up to 20 years.
Captive lizards often have longer lifespans than those in the wild. This is because they are protected from predators and have access to food and water. Additionally, captive lizards do not have to worry about environmental factors such as extreme temperatures which can be stressful and shorten their lifespans.
What Lizards Can Live 50 Years?
Some lizard species can live for 50 years or more when kept in captivity. These include the green iguana, leopard gecko, bearded dragon, and chameleon. However, in the wild these lizards would not likely reach such an advanced age due to predation and other environmental factors.
The green iguana is a popular pet lizard. It can reach up to six feet in length. Green iguanas typically live for about 20 years in the wild, but in captivity they can live for much longer – some have even been known to reach 50 years of age.
How Long Can a Lizard Live Inside a House?
Lizards can live for a long time. The average lifespan of a lizard kept as a pet is between four and eight years, but some species can live up to 34 years.
Lizards have different lifespans depending on things like the type of lizard, whether they are wild or captive, what they eat, and how well they are taken care of. Generally speaking, pet lizards tend to have a longer lifespan than those that live in the wild.
There are many factors that affect a lizard’s lifespan. The most important one is the species of lizard. Some species live longer than others. For example, the common house gecko has a lifespan of about six to eight years, while the spotted day gecko can live for up to 20 years.
Another important factor is whether the lizard is wild or captive. Lizards that are kept as pets tend to live longer than those in the wild. This is because they are protected from predators and have access to food and water. They also do not have to worry about finding a mate.
How Old is the Oldest Lizard?
Lizards can live for a long time. The oldest lizard in the wild is about 20 years old. Captive lizards have been known to live over 20 years old. Iguana’s live for over 20 years, Geckos and Skinks typically only live for about 15 years, smaller lizards like anoles and chameleons have a shorter lifespan of 5 years.
Keep in mind that these lifespan estimates are just averages. Some lizards may live longer or shorter lives, depending on their species, diet, environment, and other factors. For example, lizards living in the wild often have shorter lifespans than those living in captivity due to predation, disease, and other risks.
There are many resources you can consult if you’re interested in learning about the lifespans of specific lizard species. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List is a good place to start.
This database includes information on the conservation status of different species, including their estimated lifespan. You can access the IUCN Red List online for free.
Finally, you can find books about lizard species at your local library or bookstore. They may have information about the different lifespan of different lizards. You can also ask employees at pet stores about the lifespan of different lizards.
Useful Video: LIZARD LIFE CYCLE
Conclusion
Lizards are a diverse group of animals that come in all shapes and sizes. There is no one answer to how long lizards live. Different types of lizards can have different life expectancies. Some lizards can live for more than 20 years, while others only survive for a year or two.
If you have any questions or concerns about your lizard’s health, be sure to talk to a qualified veterinarian. The store employees will be able to help you figure out how long your particular lizard is likely to live and offer advice on how to best care for them.
Do you have a pet lizard? How long do you think they’ll live? Let us know in the comments!
References:
- https://a-z-animals.com/blog/are-komodo-dragons-poisonous-or-dangerous/?from=exit_intent
- https://oddlycutepets.com/how-long-do-lizards-live/