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Introduction

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Selected reptile type

Blanus cinereus, Spain

Amphisbaenia /æmfɪsˈbiːniə/ (called amphisbaenians or worm lizards) is a group of typically legless lizards, comprising over 200 extant species. Amphisbaenians are characterized by their long bodies, the reduction or loss of the limbs, and rudimentary eyes. As many species have a pink body and scales arranged in rings, they have a superficial resemblance to earthworms. While the genus Bipes retains forelimbs, all other genera are limbless. Phylogenetic studies suggest that they are nested within Lacertoidea, closely related to the lizard family Lacertidae. Amphisbaenians are widely distributed, occurring in North America, Europe, Africa, South America, Western Asia and the Caribbean. Most species are less than 6 inches (15 cm) long. (Full article...)

Selected Crocodilia article

At the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Powell, Ohio

The American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis), sometimes referred to as a gator or common alligator, is a large crocodilian reptile native to the Southeastern United States and a small section of northeastern Mexico. It is one of the two extant species in the genus Alligator, and is larger than the only other living alligator species, the Chinese alligator.

Adult male American alligators measure 3.4 to 4.6 m (11.2 to 15.1 ft) in length, and can weigh up to 500 kg (1,100 lb), with unverified sizes of up to 5.84 m (19.2 ft) and weights of 1,000 kg (2,200 lb) making it the second largest member by length and the heaviest of the family Alligatoridae, after the black caiman. Females are smaller, measuring 2.6 to 3 m (8.5 to 9.8 ft) in length. The American alligator inhabits subtropical and tropical freshwater wetlands, such as marshes and cypress swamps, from southern Texas to North Carolina. It is distinguished from the sympatric American crocodile by its broader snout, with overlapping jaws and darker coloration, and is less tolerant of saltwater but more tolerant of cooler climates than the American crocodile, which is found only in tropical and warm subtropical climates.

American alligators are apex predators and consume fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Hatchlings feed mostly on invertebrates. They play an important role as ecosystem engineers in wetland ecosystems through the creation of alligator holes, which provide both wet and dry habitats for other organisms. Throughout the year (in particular during the breeding season), American alligators bellow to declare territory, and locate suitable mates. Male American alligators use infrasound to attract females. Eggs are laid in a nest of vegetation, sticks, leaves, and mud in a sheltered spot in or near the water. Young are born with yellow bands around their bodies and are protected by their mother for up to one year. This species displays parental care, which is rare for most reptiles. Mothers protect their eggs during the incubation period, and moves the hatchlings to the water using her mouth. (Full article...)

Selected lizard article

In the Melbourne Zoo

The Fiji crested iguana or Fijian crested iguana (Brachylophus vitiensis) is a critically endangered species of iguana native to some of the northwestern islands of the Fijiian archipelago, where it is found in dry forest on Yaduataba (west of Vanua Levu), Yadua, Macuata, Yaquaga, Devuilau (Goat island), Malolo, Monu and Monuriki. (Full article...)

Selected turtle article

Wild striped mud turtle from Florida

The striped mud turtle (Kinosternon baurii) is a species of turtle in the family Kinosternidae. The species is native to the southeastern United States. (Full article...)

Picture slideshow

Image 1Plumed basilisk
Image 2Rough chameleon
Image 3Marginated tortoise hatchling
Image 4Gold dust day gecko
Image 5Bothriechis schlegelii
Image 6Sinai agama
Image 7Italian wall lizard
Image 8Mexican beaded lizard
Image 9Jackson's chameleon
Image 10Steneosaurus
Image 11Gold dust day gecko close-up
Image 12Green sea turtle
Image 13Australian water dragon
Image 14Indian chameleon
Image 15Sicilian wall lizard
Image 16Asian vine snake Ahaetulla prasina. This snake has a wide distribution in Asia. It feeds on small reptiles and amphibians, particularly lizards and tree frogs. Adults may attain 1.8 m (6 feet) in total length, with a tail 0.6 m (2 feet) long. Its appearance is very much like those of South American vine snakes. It is a rear-fanged species and is mildly venomous but is not considered a threat to humans.
Image 17Mwanza flat-headed rock agama
Image 18Leiocephalus personatus
Image 19Namaqua chameleon
Image 20Green sea turtle
Image 21Namaqua chameleon
Image 22Eastern bearded dragon
Image 23Carolina anole
Image 24Anole at Polychrotinae
Image 25Dwarf yellow-headed gecko
Image 26Cerastes cerastes
Image 27White-headed dwarf gecko
Image 28Green sea turtle
Image 29 Albino alligator
Image 30Trachylepis striata
Image 31A green sea turtle swimming above a coral reef.
Image 32Marine iguana
Image 33Common collared lizard
Image 34Vipera dinniki
Image 35Species of Ceratopsia dinosaurs
Image 36Aldabra giant tortoise
Image 37Yacare caiman
Image 38Leiocephalus carinatus
Image 39Eastern long-necked turtle
Image 40Red-headed Amazon River turtles
Image 41Ladder snake
Image 42Barracudasauroides
Image 43Niveoscincus metallicus
Image 44Bosc's fringe-toed lizards during courtship
Image 45Plestiodon fasciatus
Image 46Common box turtle
Image 47Gold dust day gecko
Image 48Vipera xanthina
Image 49Trachylepis maculilabris mating
Image 50Phelsuma grandis
Image 51Morelia spilota
Image 52Thamnophis elegans terrestris at Western terrestrial garter snake
Image 53Cape skink - Trachylepis capensis. Close-up on purple Aster flowers.

Selected snake article

The Indian cobra (Naja naja), also known commonly as the spectacled cobra, Asian cobra, or binocellate cobra, is a species of cobra, a venomous snake in the family Elapidae. The species is native to the Indian subcontinent, and is a member of the "big four" species that are responsible for the most snakebite cases in India.

It is distinct from the king cobra, which belongs to the monotypic genus Ophiophagus. The Indian cobra is revered in Hindu mythology and culture, and is often seen with snake charmers. It is a protected species under the Indian Wildlife Protection Act (1972). (Full article...)