What is lizards that change color? Lizards are amazing creatures. They live in deserts, jungles, mountains, and even oceans. Their ability to change colors has fascinated scientists for years.
Scientists believe lizards evolved their unique coloring abilities to camouflage themselves from predators. Some species also use their skin patterns to communicate with each other.
6 lizards that can change their colors
1. Chameleons
Chameleons are lizards native to Madagascar and Africa. Some species live in the Middle East and Asia, too. These reptiles have been around since the Jurassic period. They all possess the ability of changing their skin color, depending on what type of environment they find themselves in.
The most common way chameleons change their appearance is by adjusting their skin pigmentation. This allows them to blend into different backgrounds. Their eyes can also adjust to changes in light. In addition, some species have developed a unique system of scales that allow them to camouflage themselves.
2. Geckos
Geckos are reptiles that live throughout the world. They are small lizards that grow up to about 10 inches long. Most people know them for their bright colors, but there are many different types of geckos. Some are brightly colored while others are camouflaged.
There are over 2,000 different kinds of geckos, but most of them don’t change color. However, some do. One type of gecko called the New Guinea gecko does change color. This lizard lives in Australia and Papua New Guinea.
3. Green Anoles
Another example a reptile that can changes color are Green anoles. They live throughout South America, Central America, Mexico, and parts of North America. They’re often confused with geckos because both species look similar. But there are some key differences. First off, anoles don’t have eyelids. Secondly, anoles’ eyes are located above their nostrils, while geckos’ eyes are underneath their noses. And finally, anoles have no scales.
Anoles are reptiles that can change colors. Scientists believe that the hormone secreted by the Pituitary Gland causes the color change. When the temperature drops, the hormone increases and triggers the lizard to turn brown.
4. Bearded Dragons
The Pogona group of lizzards, more commonly known as beardies, is made up of eight species. They do not display the drastic color changes shown by some lizard relatives, but they do have a unique ability to shift their color to match their surroundings.
Their backs may darken to absorb more heat, while their beards can change color to communicate with others. Bearded dragons are among the most popular pets for reptile enthusiasts. They are easy to keep and relatively inexpensive compared to many other types of reptiles.
5. Lake Eyre Dragon
The Lake Eyre dragon is a unique type of lizard that lives in the salt lakes of South Australia.
The lizard changes its behavior and appearance depending on the weather. In summer, the lizard becomes darker because of the heat. During winter, it turns white due to the cold. And during spring and autumn, the lizard changes its color to match the seasons.
This helps keep the lizards warm, while also allowing them to conserve energy. If they did not change color, they could easily overheat. What are the common colors that lizards use? Read: 5 Most Common Colours of Lizards
6. Iguanas
The iguana is one of the most popular reptiles in the world. They live in tropical regions around the globe, including Central America, South America, Africa, Australia, Asia and even parts of North America. There are over 200 species of iguanas.
But what makes them unique is their ability to change their skin color. This is called chromatic polymorphism. And it’s fascinating because it’s not just about the color itself, but how much of it there is.
For example, some of the most common types of iguanas include the green Iguana, the black-and-white Agama, the red-and-black Anolis, the yellow-and-blue Emeus, and the blue-and-yellow Phrynosoma.
Read: 3 Wonderful Lizard that Changes Color – How Do They Do It? to know about another lizard.
Conclusion
Many lizzards will start changing their color because of emotions, health, and other factors. Some lizards even use camouflage to protect themselves from predators. However, there are times where lizards change colors just to show off.
In fact, every lizard has its own reason why it changes color. Many of them do it to hide from predators, while others do it to attract mates. But no matter what the purpose is, it’s always amazing to see such a skill set in action!
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