Order Squamata Oppel = Scaled

Systematics of the suborder: Lacertilia Owen = Lizards
Family: Agamidae Gray, 1827 = Agamas, agamas (lizards)
Family: Anelytropsidae Boulenger = American worm lizards
Family: Anguidae Gray, 1835 = spindles, spindles
Family: Anniellidae Cope = Legless lizards
Family: Chamaeleonidae Gray, 1825 = Chameleons
Family: Cordylidae Mertens, 1937 = Belttails
Family: Dibamidae Boulenger = worm-like lizards
Family: Gekkonidae Gray, 1825 = Geckos, [grasping] lizards
Family: Helodermatidae Gray, 1837 = Yadozuby
Family: Iguanidae Gray, 1827 = Iguanas, iguanas
Family: Lacertidae Fitzinger, 1826 = True lizards, Lacertidae
Family: Lanthanotidae Gray, 1825 = Earless monitor lizards
Family: Pygopodidae Gray, 1845 = Scalefoot
Family: Scincidae Gray, 1825 = Skinks, skinks
Family: Teiidae Gray, 1827 = Teiidae, American monitor lizards
Genus: Ameiva Meyer = Ameiva
Species: Ameiva ameiva = Giant, or North American ameiva
Species: Ameiva polops = Island ameiva
Family: Varanidae Gray, 1827 = Monitor lizards
Family: Xantusiidae Baird, 1858 = Night lizards
Family: Xenosauridae Cope, 1827 = Xenosaurs

Brief description of the detachment

Most lizards are quadrupedal reptiles whose elongated body is covered with horny scales, scutes or grains.. Sizes from 3.5 cm to 4 m (weight up to 150 kg). Among modern representatives the suborder is widely represented by forms both with well-developed five-fingered limbs and without them; there are transitions between these two extremes, and the loss of legs is usually accompanied by a significant lengthening of the body. Species lacking limbs always retain vestiges of the sternum or other bones of the anterior girdle.
Eyes in most species, they are equipped with movable eyelids, but in geckos, naked eyes and some other lizards, they grow together and turn into transparent films before the eyes. In some species, the eyes are completely hidden under the skin, through which they appear in the form of dark spots. There are eardrums. Bladder usually available. The anterior part of the braincase is not completely ossified. The right and left branches of the lower jaw are connected to each other motionlessly. There is one (upper) temporal arch formed by the squamous, frontal, or postorbital bones. In some lizards, for example, in a number of species of the skink family, this arch is directly adjacent to the parietal bone, as a result of which the superotemporal fenestra may be absent; in others, for example, in all geckos, there is no temporal arch at all, the postorbital arch is usually developed. The pterygoid bones are connected in front to the palatine bones, by which they are thus separated from the vomer. Most lizards have a cranial column, but in some agamas it is greatly reduced. The quadrate bone is usually mobile. The teeth are attached to the outer edge of the jaws (acrodont) or from their inside(pleurodont). Often there are also teeth on the palatine, pterygoid, and some other bones.
About 3500 species, 20 families and almost 370 genera are known. In the CIS, there are 77 species belonging to 6 families and 18 genera.
Peculiarities scaly cover lizards have great importance when defining. The scales of the body in most groups differ significantly in shape, structure, and size. Dorsal scales are smooth, tuberculate, conical, ribbed, etc. Very small scales are called grains, large scales are called scutes. The scutes on the head reach a significant variety in shape, size and location, where each of them has its own name. In some species, the neck is separated from the body by a row of enlarged scales - a collar, in front of which there is a more or less pronounced transverse throat fold. In a number of species of lizards, in addition to large scutes, there are small scales on the head located between the upper ciliary and supraorbital, frontal and supraorbital, as well as in front and behind the supraorbital scutes. In other cases, the head is covered on top with numerous small, irregularly polygonal scutes or scales.
In some lizards, the dorsal scales are almost the same as the ventral ones, but in most the lower surface of the body is covered with enlarged scutes. On the chest, the shields are usually arranged in a triangle or in a different order; the ventrals go in more or less regular rows, parallel or somewhat oblique with respect to each other. In front of the cloacal fissure, many lizards have an anal shield, in front of which there are sometimes relatively large preanals.
Representatives of some families have special formations on the lower surface of the thigh, the so-called femoral pores; each pore pierces one scale, and all together they are grouped in a row located along the thigh. From the femoral pores during the reproduction period, columns of keratinized cells are protruded, the role of which is not entirely clear. If the row is shortened to 1-3 pores, then they are called inguinal. Some geckos have so-called anal pores, which are a continuation of the femoral in the lower abdomen. Geckos also have postcloacal pores, one on each side of the lower surface of the base of the tail; the opening of such a pore leads to a small pouch, in the anterior wall of which, in males, there is a small curved bone.
The caudal scales are arranged in more or less irregular oblique or regular transverse rows (rings). In a number of cases, the number of scales around the ninth to tenth ring is used as a sign that allows one to determine the type of lizard. Rings should be counted on the lower surface of the tail from the first row of large ventral scales located directly behind the small scales of the precloacal fold.
Vision, especially in diurnal forms, well developed; some species are able to distinguish colors; in this regard, the coloring acquires a signal value. Most have developed a parietal eye, usually regarded as a receptor for the light regime and its seasonal changes. Hearing is well developed; the middle ear has a tympanic membrane; in some species it may be covered by skin. Some lizards make sounds. The means of locomotion are varied: from swimming (marine iguanas), climbing trees and gliding (flying dragon) to moving on loose sands and sheer cliffs and walls (geckos).
According to the degree of development of the femoral and anal pores in many lizards, one can determine gender. The easiest way to determine the sex of geckos, the females of which are devoid of pores at all. Sex determination in most other lizard species requires some practice. So, in males of the family Lacertidae, especially childbirth Lacerta And Eremias, the femoral pores are better developed than in females and have a slightly different shape, occupying almost the entire scale in which each individual pore is incised. Agamas do not have such pores, but there are shallow, so-called precloacal pores, occupying almost the entire surface of the scales, located immediately in front of the cloacal fissure; the allocation of these pores give the scales the appearance of a kind of callus. There are other secondary sex signs to determine sex. Thus, the base of the tail in males gradually thins backwards, while in females this transition is much more pronounced. The sex of freshly killed lizards can be easily determined by the presence or absence of characteristic male genitalia, which usually turn outward immediately when pressure is applied to the base of the tail. In fixed animals, to detect them, it is necessary to make a short longitudinal incision, starting from the lower surface of the base of the tail down. In some species, there are sexual differences in coloration.
Many lizards, being captured, throw off their tail. In the future, a new tail of a slightly modified shape grows in place of the fallen one. A restored (regenerated) tail is usually easy to recognize by a slightly different scale, and often by the color of the regenerated part.
most lizards multiply, laying eggs, but some species are ovoviviparous (fusiparous, viviparous lizard). Nutrition diverse: from small invertebrates to large prey (a giant monitor lizard from Komodo Island preys on wild pigs and deer). Food specialization is expressed in marine iguanas (they eat algae) and some lizards that feed mainly on either termites or slugs. Feeding on various harmful insects and molluscs, they benefit agriculture and forestry. poisonous species among the lizards of our fauna there is none.
A large number of lizard species are found in the CIS, of which most live in the south of the country. But some of them, such as, for example, viviparous and agile lizards ( Lacerta vivipara, L. agilis) are distributed far to the north. In the deserts Central Asia common roundheads ( Phrynocephalus), characterized by a rounded head on a movable neck, their body is covered with small horny tubercles. In the houses and among the rocks of the southern regions of the USSR at night you can meet peculiar geckos ( Geckonidae), deftly running along the walls, and even along the ceiling. In the deserts of Central Asia, a large lizard lives - a gray monitor lizard ( Varanus griseus), the length of which reaches 1.5 m. Monitor lizards living on Komodo Island (Indonesia) reach 3 m.
When identifying lizards, the features of the scaly cover of the body are of great importance, in particular the number and location of individual large head shields.

Literature:
1. Key to amphibians and reptiles of the fauna of the USSR. Proc. allowance for students of biol. specialties ped. in-comrade. M., "Enlightenment", 1977. 415 p. from ill.; 16 l. ill.
2. Course of zoology. B. A. Kuznetsov, A. Z. Chernov, L. N. Katonova. Moscow, 1989
3. A.G. Bannikov, I.S. Darevsky, A.K. Rustamov. Amphibians and reptiles of the USSR. Publishing house "Thought", Moscow, 1971
4. Naumov N. P., Kartashev N. N. Vertebrate Zoology. - Part 2. - Reptiles, birds, mammals: A textbook for biologist. specialist. Univ. - M.: Higher. school, 1979. - 272 p., ill.

Pets living with us in the same apartment or house are becoming more refined and interesting. Less and less common are the classic ones: cats, dogs and birds. Increasingly, people settle various insects, arachnids and reptiles. Particularly common are all kinds of lizards, and this is not surprising, because many of them are very cute and friendly, which allows each of them to become a replacement for the notorious cat or puppy.

Lizards suitable for home habitat, weight. This article contains some of the most popular ones. With a description of their features, as well as photo materials for each species.

Chameleons

• Yemeni chameleon- quite popular, often found as pet, view. The reason for such love for the Yemeni chameleon was its unpretentiousness in terms of keeping and nutrition. Appearance: adults often reach up to 60 centimeters in length (females are slightly inferior). The color of a chameleon changes during periods of stress and pregnancy. Conditions of detention: it is necessary to keep this species alone, allocating a large terrarium to the lizard, with ventilation. The chameleon feeds on small insects.
• three-horned chameleon- not yet so common, but a very bright and noticeable representative of lizards. Appearance: the chameleon justifies its name with an extraordinary appearance, the three-horned chameleon has a bright green color. There are three horns on the head, one straight and two curved. Curved tail used as a hook. Conditions of detention: keep an individual in the same conditions as other chameleons: a large, vertical terrarium, with good ventilation, while solitary.

Agamaceae

monitor lizards

• Black and white tegu- a typical representative of the lizards of South America. Appearance: this individual often reaches sizes up to one and a half meters. This representative of monitor lizards is a predator that gets out of the hole during the day, eating small and large animals that it can catch up with. Conditions of detention: to keep this in captivity, you will need a truly gigantic terrarium, and preferably a whole paddock. Chicks, locusts, rats must be included in the lizard's diet. Just look at the photo of this “dinosaur” to understand that everything is serious.

geckos

• The fat-tailed gecko is a very small and even cute representative of the lizard family. In nature, leads a rather secretive lifestyle. It lives throughout West Africa. Appearance: the size of a gecko rarely exceeds 30 centimeters. Due to its “compactness”, the fat-tailed gecko easily fits even in a small terrarium. Conditions of detention: hundreds of liters are enough to seat three females and one male there. You can not plant two males in one terrarium. This will lead to a constant struggle for territory. These lizards feed on small insects and artificial, vitamin-rich food for reptiles.
• Leopard lizard- Another representative of geckos. Larger, but at the same time more popular among exotic lovers. Appearance: This lizard is not easily called the namesake of the leopard. It is a similar spotted color that evokes such associations and sets it apart from other geckos. The spotted gecko reaches an average of 30 centimeters in length. The gecko captivates at first sight, take a look at the photo below to see for yourself. Conditions of detention: as in the case of the fat-tailed gecko, you can get by with a small terrarium of 60-90 liters and safely put a couple of geckos there. These lizards do not need soil.

iguanas

Skinks

• bluetongue skink- a very patient and domestic lizard, which, despite its “angry” look, can become the best choice for newbies. Appearance: a large beast of a light color with large scales. A distinctive feature, based on the name, was the language of blue. Conditions of detention: this species lives in Australia and it is forbidden to export it from there. At the same time, the lizard is available for sale with us, and it feels great at home. A terrarium 100 cm long and 50 cm wide is perfect.

domestic lizards

Lizards are the most numerous and widespread group of modern reptiles. The appearance of lizards is extremely diverse. Their head, body, legs and tail may be modified to some extent and deviate considerably from the usual type familiar to everyone. In some species, the body is noticeably compressed from the sides, in others it is valky or flattened from top to bottom, in others it is cylindrically shortened or elongated, like in snakes, from which some lizards are almost indistinguishable in appearance. Most species have two pairs of developed five-fingered limbs, but in some cases only the front or back pair of legs is preserved, and the number of fingers can be reduced to four, three, two and one, or they are absent altogether.

Most lizards are characterized by incomplete ossification of the anterior part of the skull, the presence of an sometimes incompletely closed upper temporal arch, a strong fusion of the upper jaws with the rest of the cranial bones, and the presence of special columnar bones connecting the roof of the skull to its base. The jaws of lizards are equipped, as a rule, with well-developed single-apex or multi-apex teeth, which are attached from the inside (pleurodont) or to the outer edge (acrodont teeth). Often there are also teeth on the palatine, pterygoid, and some other bones. Often they are differentiated into false canines, incisors and molars. Acrodont teeth wear down as the animal ages and are no longer replaced.

In species with pleurodont teeth, the broken or lost tooth is replaced by a new one growing under or next to the old one.

The language of lizards is extremely diverse in structure, form, and partly in the function it performs. Wide, fleshy and relatively inactive in geckos and agamas, it is strongly elongated, deeply forked, very mobile and able to be drawn into a special vagina in monitor lizards. The bifurcation of the tongue observed in many species, combined with its high mobility, is associated, in addition to touch, also with the function of the Jacobson organ that opens inside the mouth, which has already been mentioned above. A short and thick tongue is often used when capturing prey, and in chameleons it is thrown far from the mouth for this.

The skin of lizards is covered with horny scales, the nature and location of which varies greatly, which is of decisive importance for taxonomy. In many species, large scales located on the head and other parts of the body increase to the size of scutes, each of which receives a special name. Often on the head and body there are tubercles, spikes, horns, ridges or other horny outgrowths formed by modified scales and sometimes reaching considerable sizes in males.

Some groups of lizards are characterized by the occurrence under the scales of the body and head of special bone plates - osteoderms, which, articulated with each other, can form a continuous bone shell. In all species, the upper horny layer of the scales is shed during periodic molts and is replaced by a new one.

The shape and size of the tail is very diverse. As a rule, it gradually becomes thinner towards the end and differs in considerable length, noticeably exceeding the body and head combined. However, in some cases it is shortened like a blunt cone, thickened at the end in the form of a radish, flattened spatulately, or has another unusual shape. More often oval or round in cross section, it is often compressed in a horizontal or vertical plane in the form of an oar. Finally, in a number of lizards, the tail is tenacious or capable of twisting like a spiral.

Many lizards have the ability to involuntarily break off their tail as a result of a sharp contraction of the muscles. The fracture occurs along a special non-ossified layer across one of the vertebrae, and not between them, where the connection is stronger. The discarded tail bounces to the side and twitches convulsively, sometimes retaining mobility for up to half a day. Soon the tail grows back, but the vertebrae are not restored, but are replaced by a cartilaginous rod, which is why a new separation is possible only higher than the previous one. Often, the torn tail is not completely separated, but a new one still grows, resulting in the appearance of two-tailed and multi-tailed individuals. It is interesting that in many cases the scales of the reconstructed tail differ from the normal one, and moreover, it has features of more ancient species.

The dry skin of lizards is devoid of glands, but some roundheads (Phrynocephalus) have real skin glands on their backs, the function of which is not entirely clear.

Representatives of a number of families have so-called femoral pores in rows on the lower surface of the thighs - special iron similar formations, from which columns of hardened secret appear in the males during the breeding season. In other species, such formations are located in front of the anus or on its sides, respectively, called the anal and inguinal pores.

The smallest known lizards (some geckos) reach a length of only 3.5-4 cm, while the largest monitor lizards grow at least up to 3 m, weighing 150 kg. As a rule, males are larger than females, but in some cases, females, on the contrary, are noticeably larger than males.

The eyes of lizards are in most cases well developed and protected by eyelids, of which only the lower one is movable, while the upper one is greatly shortened and usually loses its mobility. Along with this, in many species, the moving eyelids are replaced by a solid transparent shell covering the eye like a watch glass, like in snakes. On the example of a number of species from various systematic groups it is easy to trace the gradual stages of the transition from opaque separate eyelids to the appearance of a first transparent window in the still mobile lower eyelid and further to the complete fusion of the lower eyelid with the upper one and the formation of an already motionless window in it. Such fused eyelids are found in most nocturnal lizards - geckos, a number of legless and burrowing species, as well as in some skinks and other lizards, as well as a diurnal and nocturnal lifestyle. In many burrowing species, the eyes are greatly reduced in size, and in some cases they are completely overgrown with skin, through which they appear in the form of faintly visible dark spots. Nocturnal lizards, as a rule, have significantly enlarged eyes with a pupil in the form of a vertical slit with straight or sawtooth cut edges. In the retina of the eyes of diurnal lizards there are special elements of color vision - cones, thanks to which they are able to distinguish all colors of the solar spectrum. In most nocturnal species, light-sensitive elements are represented by rods, and the perception of colors is not available to them.

As a rule, lizards have good hearing. The tympanic membrane may be located openly on the sides of the head, hidden under the scales of the body, or may be completely overgrown with skin, so that the external auditory opening disappears. Sometimes it, together with the tympanic cavity, is reduced, and the animal is able to perceive sound only in a seismic way, that is, by pressing its whole body against the substrate.

Most lizards emit only a dull hiss or snort. More or less loud sounds - squeaking, clicking, chirping or croaking - are capable of producing different geckos, which is achieved using the tongue or rubbing horny scales against each other. In addition to geckos, some can also “squeal” quite loudly. sand lizards(Psammodromus).

The sense of smell is less developed than other senses, but some lizards may well find prey by smell.

The nostrils of many, especially desert species, are closed with special valves that prevent sand from entering the nasal cavity. Some lizards have a well-developed sense of taste and willingly drink, for example, sugar syrup, choosing it among tasteless solutions. However, their taste sensitivity to bitter substances is negligible. Many lizards have tactile hairs formed from keratinized cells of the upper layer of the skin and regularly located along the edges of individual scales. IN different places the torso and head are often located, in addition, special tactile spots on which sensitive cells are concentrated.

Many lizards have a so-called third, or parietal, eye, usually noticeable as a small light spot in the center of one of the scutes covering the back of the head. In its structure, it somewhat resembles an ordinary eye and can perceive certain light stimuli, transmitting them along a special nerve to the brain. Acting on the most important endocrine gland - the pituitary gland, light signals stimulate the sexual activity of animals, which occurs only at a certain duration of daylight hours. According to the latest data, this organ also produces vitamins of the D group necessary for the body. However, the mechanism of action of the parietal eye is still not completely elucidated.

The coloration of lizards is extremely diverse and, as a rule, harmonizes well with the environment. In species that live in deserts, light, sandy tones predominate; lizards living on dark rocks often have a brown, almost black color, and lizards living on trunks and branches of trees are dotted with brown and brown spots resembling bark and moss. Many woody species are colored in the color of green foliage. A similar coloration is characteristic of a number of agamas, iguanas and geckos. The general coloration of the body largely depends on the nature of the pattern, which can be composed of individual symmetrically located spots, longitudinal or transverse stripes and rings, rounded eyes, or spots and specks randomly scattered throughout the body. In combination with the color of the main background of the body, these patterns further camouflage the animal in the surrounding area, hiding it from enemies. Diurnal species are characterized by very bright reds, blues and yellows, while nocturnal species are usually more uniformly colored. The coloration of some lizards varies significantly depending on sex and age, with males and juveniles usually more brightly colored.

A number of species are characterized by a rapid color change under the influence of changes in the environment or under the influence of internal states - excitement, fright, hunger, etc. This ability is inherent in some iguanas, geckos, agamas and other lizards. The maximum number of lizard species is Yashvet in tropical and subtropical zones the globe, in countries with a temperate climate, there are fewer of them, and the farther north and south, the more their number is reduced. For example, only one species reaches the Arctic Circle - the viviparous lizard.

The life of some lizards is closely connected with water, and although there are no real marine forms among lizards, one of them is Galapagos iguana(Amblyrhynchus cristatus) penetrates the coastal waters of the ocean.

In the mountains, lizards rise to the level of eternal snows, living at an altitude of up to 5000 meters above sea level.

Under specific environmental conditions, lizards acquire the corresponding features of specialization. So, in desert forms, special horny scallops develop on the sides of the fingers - sandy skis, which allow you to quickly move along the loose sand surface and dig holes. In other cases, such skis are replaced by extensions of the fingers or the formation of special membranes between them, resembling swimming ones.

Lizards living in trees and rocks usually have long and prehensile limbs with sharp claws and often a prehensile tail that aids in climbing. Many geckos that spend their whole lives on vertical surfaces have special extensions on the underside of their fingers with tiny tenacious hairs that can attach to the substrate. In many limbless and burrowing lizards, the body is elongated serpentine. Such adaptations to certain living conditions in lizards are extremely different, and almost always they concern not only features external structure or anatomy, but also touch on many important physiological functions organisms associated with nutrition, reproduction, water metabolism, rhythm of activity, thermoregulation, etc.

Optimum temperature environment, the most favorable for the life of lizards, lies in the range of 26-42 ° C, and in tropical and desert species it is higher than in the inhabitants temperate zone, and in nocturnal forms, as a rule, it is lower than in diurnal ones. When the temperature rises above the optimum, the lizards hide in the shade, and when the limit temperatures are established for a long time, they completely stop their activity, falling into the state of the so-called summer hibernation. The latter is often observed in desert and arid regions in the south. IN temperate latitudes in autumn, lizards leave for wintering, which in different species lasts from 1.5-2 to 7 months a year. Often they overwinter several tens or even hundreds of individuals in one shelter.

The whole life of lizards takes place within a rather limited area, which varies widely in different species from two or three to several tens, hundreds or thousands of square meters. As a rule, in individuals of different sexes and ages, the size of the habitat area is different, and in young people it is larger than in adults, and in females it is often larger than in males. Sometimes there is an even more limited "center of activity" within the main area where the hideout is located. In tree species, the site is often limited to one or more trees, and sometimes only a separate branch or trunk segment. The habitats of individuals usually overlap to some extent, however, as a rule, only one adult lizard of a given species lives in the centers of activity.

As shelters, lizards serve their own or burrows belonging to other animals. Many take refuge in cracks or voids between stones, under the bark and hollows of trees, in heaps of fallen leaves or brushwood, and other such places; some settle in the nests of ants and termites, getting along well with their restless inhabitants. Often, in addition to the main one, there are several more temporary shelters located in various places on the site. Possessing a good topographic memory, lizards unmistakably find their shelter, even if they are far away from it. Special studies have established that at least some of them are able to navigate by determining the direction of the sun, like birds and some other animals.

The degree of mobility and the manner of movement in different lizards are very different. Some legless forms burrow in the ground like worms. Larger legless lizards move, serpentine curving with their whole body. Species with underdeveloped limbs act in the same way, drawing their legs close to the body and practically not using them when moving.

,

In lizards, the transition from real crawling on the belly to a gradual lifting of the body above the substrate and, finally, to movement with the torso raised high on the legs is clearly traced. The inhabitants of open spaces tend to move at a fast trot, and many of them switch to running on two legs, which is observed not only in exotic, but also in some species of our fauna. It is curious that the South American iguana Basiliscus americanus can even run short distances in this state through the water, slapping its hind legs on its surface. The ability to run fast is combined, as a rule, with the presence of a long tail, which plays the role of a balancer, as well as a rudder for turns on the run.

Many geckos move in very short dashes, staying in one place for a long time. Arboreal species develop the ability to climb, which often involves a prehensile tail. Finally, some specialized forms, such as flying dragons(Draco), are capable of gliding flight thanks to skin folds on the sides of the body, supported by highly elongated ribs. The ability to plan flight is characteristic of some geckos, which have expanded skin folds on the sides of the body and on the tail. Many lizards jump well, grabbing prey on the fly. Some desert species have adapted to "swimming" in the thickness of the sand, in which they spend most of their lives.

Most lizards are carnivores, feeding on all kinds of animals that they can grab and overpower. The main food of small and medium-sized species are insects, spiders, worms, molluscs and other invertebrates. Larger lizards eat small vertebrates - rodents, birds and their eggs, frogs, snakes, other lizards, and carrion. A smaller number of lizards are herbivorous. Their food consists of fruits, seeds and succulent parts of plants. However, even among herbivores, young individuals, as a rule, feed on insects at first and only later begin to feed on plants, losing their predatory instincts. Many lizards are equally willing to eat both plant and animal food.

Cannibalism is inherent in some species: adults pursue and eat young individuals of the same species.

Food specialization in lizards is relatively rare. So, marine iguanas feed mainly on one type of algae, other lizards eat almost exclusively ants or termites, often also only one species. South American caiman lizard(Dracaena guianensis) feeds on naked slugs and molluscs, the shells of which are easily crushed by specialized teeth.

The lizards slowly sneak up on the prey and then grab it in the final throw. As a rule, the prey is eaten whole, but may be preliminarily torn apart by the jaws. Like other reptiles, lizards are able to remain without food for a long time, consuming the nutrient reserves deposited in the fat bodies located in the body cavity. In many species, in particular in geckos, fat is also deposited in the tail, the size of which is greatly increased. Lizards drink water by licking it with their tongue or scooping it up with their lower jaw. Desert species are content with water in the body of the prey they eat, and in some of them it can accumulate in special sac-like formations located in the abdominal cavity.

At desert iguanas of the genus Sauromalus, on the sides of the body under the skin, there are special lymphatic sacs filled with a gelatinous fluid, which largely consists of water accumulated during rains and then slowly consumed during a period of prolonged drought.

In countries with a pronounced change of seasons, lizards start breeding in the spring soon after waking up from wintering. Males of many species acquire bright mating coloration by this time. In the tropics, with a year-round even and warm climate, many lizards breed throughout the year or with a short break during a severe drought or during the rainy season.

During the breeding season, sexually mature males are very excited, take specific demonstrative poses, combining them with certain signal movements characteristic of this species, allowing rivals to recognize each other from afar. Demonstrative postures are extremely varied and may consist of raising on the hind or front legs, flattening or strong contraction of the body, raising, twisting or lowering the tail, shaking and nodding the head, etc. Opponents usually quickly run up to each other, and then slowly, as usually sideways, approaching, demonstrating a flattened or laterally compressed body that therefore looks exorbitantly enlarged; at the same time, males often inflate their throats, protrude horny ridges, skin folds, etc.

A larger and stronger male pushes the weaker one, making false attacks, but without using his jaws, until he takes flight. However, bloodless "fights of intimidation" often turn into real fights, in which males bite frantically, hit with their tails or try to knock each other over on their backs. Often they use the horny outgrowths, spikes or horns on their heads as weapons (this is especially characteristic of chameleons). As a result, the defeated, often bleeding male leaves the battlefield, and the winner pursues him for some time, but then quickly calms down. IN individual cases battles end in the death of one of the opponents, although this is extremely rare.

Many lizards are characterized by peculiar mating games, during which the male demonstrates a bright body color in front of the female, taking specific “courtship” poses, to which the female responds with certain signal body movements, consisting, for example, in swaying or trembling of raised front legs and wriggling of the tail.

In some species, for example, many iguanas and agamas, there are "harems" when several females live on the site of one male. The male vigilantly guards his "harem" or site, immediately taking threatening postures at the sight of suitable opponents. However, for protection, one kind of owner is often enough, sitting somewhere on a hill and from time to time defiantly making signal gestures, notifying potential rivals that the site is occupied. Males of some geckos, sitting in a shelter, periodically emit a signal call, and males of neighboring areas respond with a similar call.

When mating, male lizards hold the female with their jaws by the neck, by the sides of the body or at the base of the tail, and at first they grab her, as a rule, by the tail.

The vast majority of lizards lay eggs, the number of which in one clutch ranges from 1-2 in the smallest species to 8-20 in medium-sized and several dozen in large lizards.

Many small species, in particular geckos, lay eggs in small portions several times per season.

The shape and size of the eggs also vary. More often they are oval or elongated along the longitudinal axis, less often completely round, slightly pointed at the ends or curved in the form of a pod. In the smallest known lizards - some geckos and skinks - the laid eggs reach only 4-5 mm in diameter, while in large monitor lizards they are not inferior in size to a goose egg and weigh 150-200 g. The eggs are enclosed in a thin, moisture-permeable, colorless leathery a shell capable of stretching during the development of the embryo, which is why the size of recently laid eggs is always noticeably smaller than those that are supposed to hatch young. Only in geckos and some legless lizards the eggs are covered with a hard calcareous shell. Such eggs - soft when laid - quickly harden in the air, and then their size remains unchanged throughout the entire period of development.

The female lays eggs several times a season in portions of 2-4 eggs in different places or in one clutch. Usually she lays them in a hole or in a shallow hole, then sprinkling them with earth. Often, eggs are laid under stones, in cracks in rocks, in hollows or under the bark of trees, in wood dust, and by some geckos they stick to tree trunks and branches. Often several females lay their eggs in the same place, where they accumulate several tens or even hundreds.

A smaller number of lizards are ovoviviparous. Their eggs, devoid of a dense shell, develop inside the mother's body, and the cubs are born alive, freeing themselves from the thin film that dresses them while still in the oviducts or immediately after birth. Real live birth has been established only in some skinks and American night lizards xanthusia, the embryos of which are fed through a false placenta - blood vessels in the walls of the mother's oviducts. Live birth is usually associated with harsh living conditions, such as living in the far north or high in the mountains.

In most cases, having laid eggs, the female never returns to them, and the developing embryos are left to their own devices. Real care for offspring is observed only in some skinks and spindles, the females of which wrap themselves around the laid eggs, periodically turn them over, protect them from enemies, help the young to get rid of the shell and, staying with them for the first time after hatching, give them food and protect them in case of danger. Some skinks are even capable of distinguishing their own eggs from those of others by feeling them with their tongue, and in specially delivered experiments they were always unmistakably found and even transferred to their original place.

The duration of development of the embryo inside the egg is very different. In species that live in temperate climates, for example, in most lizards of our fauna, embryos develop 30-60 days and young ones are born in late summer or early autumn. In species living in the tropics, the duration of development often increases dramatically, reaching 8-9 months. Biologically, this is due to the fact that the time of the appearance of the young is timed here for the most favorable period of the year, for example, at the end of the rainy season * Some species of lizards lay eggs with almost fully developed embryos, due to which the young can hatch into the light in the next few days. By the time of hatching from the egg, the embryos develop a special egg tooth in the front corner of the mouth, with which, shaking its head, the young lizard, like a razor, cuts a slit in the egg shell to exit. Many geckos develop two of these teeth; in some cases, egg teeth are replaced by a dense horny tubercle.

Sexual maturity in some lizards occurs as early as the next year after birth, while in others in the 2nd-4th or even 5th year of life.

Recently, a phenomenon of so-called parthenogenesis has been discovered in a number of lizards, when females lay unfertilized eggs, in which, nevertheless, normal offspring develop. This phenomenon has been established in certain forms of the Caucasian rock lizard, North American teiid from the genus Chemidophorus and exists, perhaps, in some geckos and agamas. Males are absent during parthenogenesis, and such species are represented by only females.

Lizards have a lot of enemies. Lizards are eaten by all kinds of birds: herons, storks, eagles, buzzards, harriers, hawks, kestrels, kites, secretaries, owls, owls, crows, magpies and many others. No less terrible enemies of lizards are all kinds of snakes, many of which specialized in feeding exclusively on lizards. They eat lizards and mammals - badgers, polecats, foxes, viverras, mongooses, hedgehogs, etc. Finally, some large lizards, such as monitor lizards, eat smaller ones. When attacked by enemies, lizards in most cases flee or hide motionless, disguising themselves as the surrounding background. The latter is especially effective when attacking snakes, which, as a rule, only hunt for moving prey.

The only lizards that are poisonous and therefore dangerous for predators are the North American poisonous teeth (Heloderma) when in danger they do not hide or run away, but defiantly remain in place, trusting their bright warning color, consisting of combinations of pink, yellow and black. Often a lizard manages to escape from a predator, leaving a writhing discarded tail in its claws or mouth. In a number of species capable of autotomy, the tail is very brightly colored, which, perhaps, attracts the attention of a predator to it.

Many lizards have a so-called warning behavior that scares off the enemy. In many ways, it resembles the mating habits of excited males described above and may consist in standing up on its paws, waving its head with its mouth open to the limit, puffing up the body, sharp flapping of the tail, etc. All this is usually accompanied by a loud hiss or snort. So, in the Australian frilled lizard (Chlamydosaurus kingi), simultaneously with the opening of the mouth, a very wide, hitherto invisible collar with bright colored spots unfolds, and in the eared round-headed lizard common in Central Asia, special folds with jagged edges protrude at the corners of the mouth, which look due to blood flow as a continuation of a huge mouth with bared fangs, for which it is easy to take two palatine folds protruding from above.

Sometimes lizards are capable of attacking the enemy themselves, and their bites are very sensitive, and in large species are simply dangerous. Biting the enemy, they tightly clench their teeth, close their eyes and, having relaxed the body, hang in a state of a kind of trance. It is often easier to break an animal's jaw than to make it loosen its grip. Monitor lizards and some other species, defending themselves, can inflict painful blows with their tail. Different lizards, when attacked by enemies, take very peculiar poses of passive defense.

The lifespan of lizards varies greatly. In many relatively small species, it does not exceed 1-3 years, while large iguanas and monitor lizards live for 50-70 years or more. Some lizards have survived 20-30 or even 50 years in captivity.

Most lizards benefit by eating a significant amount of harmful insects and invertebrates. The meat of some large species is quite edible, which is why they are often the object of a special trade, and the skin of these reptiles is also used by humans. In a number of countries, the capture and extermination of some lizards is prohibited by law.

Currently, about 3500 species of various lizards are known, usually united in 20 families and almost 350 genera.

Canada part of the world has its own groups of lizards, which reach their peak here and are represented by the maximum number of species. So, for Europe, the family is characteristic real lizards- (Lacertilia, Sauria), suborder of reptiles. As a rule, small animals with well-developed limbs, the closest relatives of snakes. Together they form a separate evolutionary line of reptiles. Main hallmark its representatives... Collier Encyclopedia

Suborder of reptiles of the scaly order. Body length from a few centimeters to 3 m or more (Komodo lizard), covered with keratinized scales. Most have well developed limbs. More than 3900 species, on all continents (except Antarctica), ... ... encyclopedic Dictionary

This article is about the lizard family. About sources electromagnetic radiation in the nuclei of galaxies of the same name, see Lacertides (astronomy). ? Real lizards ... Wikipedia

- (Darevsky) ... Wikipedia

Worm-like lizards Scientific classification Kingdom: Animals Type: Chordates Class ... Wikipedia

Lizards Illustration from Ernst Haeckel's book, Kunstformen der Natur. 1904 Scientific classification Kingdom: Animals Type: Chordates Class ... Wikipedia

General characteristics of the lizard suborder (SAURIA)

About 3,300 species of reptiles of various shapes and sizes (from 3.5 cm to 4 m; weight up to 150 kg). Some are legless. Ways of movement - from swimming (marine iguanas) to gliding (flying dragon). Food is varied - from small invertebrates to wild pigs and deer (giant monitor lizard). The skin is covered with horny scales. Many are capable of autotomy (tail drop). Well-developed vision (many distinguish colors), hearing (some make sounds), touch, parietal eye.

• · Gecko family - 600 species from 3.5 to 35 cm long. They inhabit tropical and subtropical regions. Lead night image life. The fingers are equipped with devices that allow geckos to stay on sheer vertical surfaces.
• · iguana family - 700 species from 10 cm to 2 m long. They inhabit the western hemisphere from southern Canada to southern Argentina. In arboreal forms, the body is laterally compressed, while in terrestrial forms, it is flattened in the dorso-ventral direction. Marine iguanas are semi-aquatic.
• · Agama family - about 300 species, close to iguanas, occupying ecological niches in Eurasia, Africa and Asia, similar to those of iguanas in America. Lead tree image life, inhabit rocks, steppes and deserts. Representatives: steppe, Caucasian agamas, roundheads.
• · a family of real lizards - about 170 species distributed in Europe, Asia and Africa. In our region there are nimble and viviparous lizards.
• · spindle family - 80 species of legless or limbless lizards found on all continents. We meet yellowbell and spindle.
• · monitor lizard family - 30 species of the largest modern lizards. Distributed in Africa, Asia, the Malay Archipelago, Australia. From small (20 cm) to giant (4 m) monitor lizards. The gray monitor lizard and the giant monitor lizard occupy the ecological niche of large predatory animals that are absent in these habitats.

Lizards are the most numerous and widespread group of modern reptiles. The appearance of lizards is extremely diverse. Their head, body, legs and tail may be modified to some extent and deviate considerably from the usual type familiar to everyone. In some species, the body is noticeably compressed from the sides, in others it is valky or flattened from top to bottom, in others it is cylindrically shortened or elongated, like in snakes, from which some lizards are almost indistinguishable in appearance. Most species have two pairs of developed five-fingered limbs, but in some cases only the front or back pair of legs is preserved, and the number of fingers can be reduced to four, three, two and one, or they are absent altogether. Most lizards are characterized by incomplete ossification of the anterior part of the skull, the presence of an sometimes incompletely closed upper temporal arch, a strong fusion of the upper jaws with the rest of the cranial bones, and the presence of special columnar bones connecting the roof of the skull to its base. The jaws of lizards are equipped, as a rule, with well-developed single-apex or multi-apex teeth, which are attached from the inside (pleurodont) or to the outer edge (acrodont teeth). Often there are also teeth on the palatine, pterygoid, and some other bones. Often they are differentiated into false canines, incisors and molars.

The language of lizards is extremely diverse in structure, form, and partly in the function it performs. Wide, fleshy and relatively inactive in geckos and agamas, it is strongly elongated, deeply forked, very mobile and able to be drawn into a special vagina in monitor lizards. The bifurcation of the tongue observed in many species, combined with its high mobility, is associated, in addition to touch, also with the function of the Jacobson organ that opens inside the mouth. A short and thick tongue is often used when capturing prey, and in chameleons it is thrown far from the mouth for this. The skin of lizards is covered with horny scales, the nature and location of which varies greatly, which is of decisive importance for taxonomy. In many species, large scales located on the head and other parts of the body increase to the size of scutes, each of which receives a special name. Often on the head and body there are tubercles, spikes, horns, ridges or other horny outgrowths formed by modified scales and sometimes reaching considerable sizes in males. Some groups of lizards are characterized by the occurrence under the scales of the body and head of special bone plates - osteoderms, which, articulated with each other, can form a continuous bone shell. In all species, the upper horny layer of the scales is shed during periodic molts and is replaced by a new one. The shape and size of the tail is very diverse. As a rule, it gradually becomes thinner towards the end and differs in considerable length, noticeably exceeding the body and head combined. However, in some cases it is shortened like a blunt cone, thickened at the end in the form of a radish, flattened spatulately, or has another unusual shape. More often oval or round in cross section, it is often compressed in a horizontal or vertical plane in the form of an oar. Finally, in a number of lizards, the tail is tenacious or capable of twisting like a spiral. Many lizards have the ability to autotomy. The fracture occurs along a special non-ossified layer across one of the vertebrae, and not between them, where the connection is stronger. Soon the tail grows back, but the vertebrae are not restored, but are replaced by a cartilaginous rod, which is why a new separation is possible only higher than the previous one. Often, the torn tail is not completely separated, but a new one still grows, resulting in the appearance of two-tailed and multi-tailed individuals. It is interesting that in many cases the scales of the reconstructed tail differ from the normal one, and moreover, it has features of more ancient species. The dry skin of lizards is devoid of glands, but some roundheads (Phrynocephalus) have real skin glands on their backs, the function of which is not entirely clear. In representatives of a number of families, on the lower surface of the thighs, the so-called femoral pores are arranged in rows - special iron-like formations, from which columns of hardened secretion protrude in males during the breeding season. In other species, such formations are located in front of the anus or on its sides, respectively, called the anal and inguinal pores.

The smallest known lizards (some geckos) reach a length of only 3.5-4 cm, while the largest monitor lizards grow at least up to 3 m, weighing 150 kg. As a rule, males are larger than females, but in some cases, females, on the contrary, are noticeably larger than males. The eyes of lizards are in most cases well developed and protected by eyelids, of which only the lower one is movable, while the upper one is greatly shortened and usually loses its mobility. Along with this, in many species, the moving eyelids are replaced by a solid transparent shell covering the eye like a watch glass, like in snakes. Using the example of a number of species from various systematic groups, it is easy to trace the gradual stages of the transition from opaque separate eyelids to the appearance of a first transparent window in the still mobile lower eyelid and further to the complete fusion of the lower eyelid with the upper one and the formation of an already immovable window in it. Such fused eyelids are present in most nocturnal lizards - geckos, a number of legless and burrowing species, as well as in some skinks and other lizards, as well as a diurnal and nocturnal lifestyle. Nocturnal lizards, as a rule, have significantly enlarged eyes with a pupil in the form of a vertical slit with straight or sawtooth cut edges. In the retina of the eyes of diurnal lizards there are special elements of color vision - cones, thanks to which they are able to distinguish all colors of the solar spectrum. In most nocturnal species, light-sensitive elements are represented by rods, and the perception of colors is not available to them. As a rule, lizards have good hearing. The tympanic membrane may be located openly on the sides of the head, hidden under the scales of the body, or may be completely overgrown with skin, so that the external auditory opening disappears. Sometimes it, together with the tympanic cavity, is reduced, and the animal is able to perceive sound only in a seismic way, that is, by pressing its whole body against the substrate. Most lizards emit only a dull hiss or snort. More or less loud sounds - squeaking, clicking, chirping or croaking - are capable of producing different geckos, which is achieved using the tongue or rubbing horny scales against each other. In addition to geckos, some sand lizards (Psammodromus) can also “squeal” quite loudly. The sense of smell is less developed than other senses, but some lizards may well find prey by smell. The nostrils of many, especially desert species, are closed with special valves that prevent sand from entering the nasal cavity. Some lizards have a well-developed sense of taste and willingly drink, for example, sugar syrup, choosing it among tasteless solutions. However, their taste sensitivity to bitter substances is negligible. Many lizards have tactile hairs formed from keratinized cells of the upper layer of the skin and regularly located along the edges of individual scales. In different places of the trunk and head, in addition, special tactile spots are often located, on which sensitive cells are concentrated. Many lizards have a so-called third, or parietal, eye, usually noticeable as a small light spot in the center of one of the scutes covering the back of the head. In its structure, it somewhat resembles an ordinary eye and can perceive certain light stimuli, transmitting them along a special nerve to the brain. The coloration of lizards is extremely diverse and, as a rule, harmonizes well with the environment. In species that live in deserts, light, sandy tones predominate; lizards living on dark rocks often have a brown, almost black color, and lizards living on trunks and branches of trees are dotted with brown and brown spots resembling bark and moss. Many woody species are colored in the color of green foliage. A similar coloration is characteristic of a number of agamas, iguanas and geckos. The general coloration of the body largely depends on the nature of the pattern, which can be composed of individual symmetrically located spots, longitudinal or transverse stripes and rings, rounded eyes, or spots and specks randomly scattered throughout the body. In combination with the color of the main background of the body, these patterns further camouflage the animal in the surrounding area, hiding it from enemies. Diurnal species are characterized by very bright reds, blues and yellows, while nocturnal species are usually more uniformly colored. The coloration of some lizards varies significantly depending on sex and age, with males and juveniles usually more brightly colored. A number of species tend to quickly change color under the influence of changes in the environment or under the influence of internal states - excitement, fright, hunger, etc. This ability is inherent in some iguanas, geckos, agamas and other lizards.

Distribution and lifestyle.

The maximum number of lizard species lives in the tropical and subtropical zones of the globe, there are fewer of them in countries with a temperate climate, and the farther north and south, the more their number is declining. For example, only one species reaches the Arctic Circle - the viviparous lizard. The life of some lizards is closely connected with water, and although there are no real marine forms among lizards, one of them, the Galapagos iguana (Amblyrhynchus crislatus), penetrates the coastal waters of the ocean. In the mountains, lizards rise to the level of eternal snows, living at an altitude of up to 5000 m above sea level. Under specific environmental conditions, lizards acquire the corresponding features of specialization. So, in desert forms, special horny scallops develop on the sides of the fingers - sandy skis, which allow you to quickly move along the loose sand surface and dig holes. Lizards living in trees and rocks usually have long and prehensile limbs with sharp claws and often a prehensile tail that aids in climbing. Many geckos that spend their whole lives on vertical surfaces have special extensions on the underside of their fingers with tiny tenacious hairs that can attach to the substrate. In many limbless and burrowing lizards, the body is elongated serpentine. Such adaptations to certain living conditions in lizards are extremely different, and almost always they concern not only the features of the external structure or anatomy, but also affect many important physiological functions of the body associated with nutrition, reproduction, water metabolism, the rhythm of activity, thermoregulation, etc. e. The optimum environmental temperature, most favorable for the life of lizards, lies in the range of 26--42 ° C, and in tropical and desert species it is higher than in the inhabitants of the temperate zone, and in nocturnal forms, as a rule, lower than in daytime . When the temperature rises above the optimum, the lizards hide in the shade, and when the limit temperatures are established for a long time, they completely stop their activity, falling into the state of the so-called summer hibernation. The latter is often observed in desert and arid regions in the south. In temperate latitudes, lizards leave for wintering in autumn, which in different species lasts from 1.5-2 to 7 months a year. Often they overwinter several tens or even hundreds of individuals in one shelter.

In lizards, the transition from real crawling on the belly to a gradual lifting of the body above the substrate and, finally, to movement with the torso raised high on the legs is clearly traced. The inhabitants of open spaces tend to move at a fast trot, and many of them switch to running on two legs, which is observed not only in exotic, but also in some species of our fauna. It is curious that the South American iguana Basiliscus americanus can even run short distances in this state through the water, slapping its hind legs on its surface. The ability to run fast is combined, as a rule, with the presence of a long tail, which plays the role of a balancer, as well as a rudder for turns on the run. Many geckos move in very short dashes, staying in one place for a long time. Arboreal species develop the ability to climb, which often involves a prehensile tail. Finally, some specialized forms, such as flying dragons (Draco), are capable of gliding flight due to skin folds on the sides of the body, supported by highly elongated ribs. Many lizards jump well, grabbing prey on the fly. Some desert species have adapted to "swimming" in the thickness of the sand, in which they spend most of their lives.

Most lizards are predators, feeding on all kinds of animals that they are able to grab and overpower. The main food of small and medium-sized species are insects, spiders, worms, molluscs and other invertebrates. Larger lizards eat small vertebrates - rodents, birds and their eggs, frogs, snakes, other lizards, and carrion. A smaller number of lizards are herbivores. Their food consists of fruits, seeds and succulent parts of plants. The lizards slowly sneak up on the prey and then grab it in the final throw. As a rule, the prey is eaten whole, but may be preliminarily torn apart by the jaws. Like other reptiles, lizards are able to remain without food for a long time, consuming the nutrient reserves deposited in the fat bodies located in the body cavity. In many species, in particular in geckos, fat is also deposited in the tail, the size of which is greatly increased. Lizards drink water by licking it with their tongue or scooping it up with their lower jaw. Desert species are content with water in the body of the prey they eat, and in some of them it can accumulate in special sac-like formations located in the abdominal cavity. In desert iguanas of the genus Sauromalus, on the sides of the body under the skin, there are special lymphatic sacs filled with a gelatinous fluid, which largely consists of water accumulated during rains and then slowly consumed during a period of prolonged drought.

The lifespan of lizards varies greatly. In many relatively small species, it does not exceed 1-3 years, while large iguanas and monitor lizards live for 50-70 years or more. Some lizards survived for 20-30 and even 50 years in captivity. Most lizards benefit by eating a significant amount of harmful insects and invertebrates. The meat of some large species is quite edible, which is why they are often the object of a special trade, and the skin of these reptiles is also used by humans. In a number of countries, the capture and extermination of some lizards is prohibited by law. Currently, about 4000 species of various lizards are known, usually united in 20 families and almost 390 genera.

- (Saurra), suborder of scaly. Appeared in the Triassic. Ancestors of snakes. The body is valky, flattened, laterally compressed or cylindrical, of various colors. Skin in horny scales. Length from 3.5 cm to 4 m (lizards). The anterior part of the skull is not ... ... Biological encyclopedic dictionary

Suborder of reptiles of the scaly order. The body length is from several cm to 3 m or more (Komodo lizard), covered with keratinized scales. Most have well developed limbs. More than 3900 species, on all continents except Antarctica, ... ... Big Encyclopedic Dictionary

- (Lacertilia s. Sauria) reptiles with an anus in the form of a transverse slit (Plagiotremata), with a paired copulatory organ, teeth not in cells; usually equipped with an anterior girdle and always have a sternum; in most cases with 4 limbs, ... ... Encyclopedia of Brockhaus and Efron

- (Lacertilia, Sauria), suborder of reptiles. As a rule, small animals with well-developed limbs, the closest relatives of snakes. Together they form a separate evolutionary line of reptiles. The main distinguishing feature of its representatives ... ... Collier Encyclopedia

- (Sauria) suborder (or squad) of reptiles of the squad (or subclass) scaly. Body length from 3.5 cm to 3 m (Komodo dragon). The body is valky, flattened, laterally compressed or cylindrical. Some have well-developed five-fingered ... ... Great Soviet Encyclopedia

lizards->) and a female. /> Viviparous lizards: male () and female. Viviparous lizards. Lizards, a suborder of animals of the class. From differ in the presence of limbs () and movable eyelids. Length from 3.5 cm to 4 m. The body is covered with horny scales. I. extended to… … Encyclopedia "Animals in the House"

Suborder of reptiles of the scaly order. Body length from a few centimeters to 3 m or more (Komodo lizard), covered with keratinized scales. Most have well developed limbs. More than 3900 species, on all continents (except Antarctica), ... ... encyclopedic Dictionary

- (Lacertilia s. Sauria) reptiles with an anus in the form of a transverse slit (Plagiotremata), with a paired copulatory organ, with teeth not in meshes; usually equipped with an anterior girdle and always have a sternum; in most cases with 4 me ... ... Encyclopedic Dictionary F.A. Brockhaus and I.A. Efron

lizards- Striped lizard. LIZARDS, animals of the class of reptiles. The body length is from several cm to 3 m or more (Komodo lizard), covered with keratinized scales. In most (agamas, iguanas, geckos, etc.), the limbs are well developed, in some ... ... Illustrated Encyclopedic Dictionary

Mn. Suborder of reptiles of the scaly order. Explanatory Dictionary of Ephraim. T. F. Efremova. 2000... Modern Dictionary Russian language Efremova

Books

• Reptiles. Lizards and crocodiles, S. Ivanov. Currently, there are about 6,000 species of reptiles, and once they were the real "masters" of our planet. The most numerous squamous order (Squamata), including about ...
• Island of the Purple Lizard, . ʻOld trees in Mikhailovskoye remember A.S. Pushkin`, a young biologist Zorich once read. Why don't they remember the poet? Is it possible to test this in practice? Ask the trees...