There are 7,000 species of lizards in the world, and they are found on every continent except Antarctica. These reptiles usually cause divided opinions. While some would gladly take a lizard as a pet, others are repulsed by them.
Nevertheless, everyone agrees that lizards are one of the most common animals on the planet. With such diversity, it is easy to wonder, “What do lizards eat?”.
In this article, we will answer your question and also explore other intriguing questions about these fascinating animals.
Lizard Food: What Do Lizards Eat In The Wild?
A common misconception is that all lizards are carnivorous. A better classification of the lizard’s diet would be carnivorous, insectivorous, herbivorous, and omnivorous, depending on the species.
With such a diversity of species, it is difficult to know all foods lizards eat. However, some common foods cut across classifications and are eaten by lizards irrespective of their diet. These include:
- Insects
- Invertebrates
- Eggs
- Small mammals
- Leaves
- Berries
- Fruits
- Birds
- Fish
- Rodents
- Vegetables
- Small amphibians
- Fruit
How Often Do Lizards Eat?
Although wild lizards eat less frequently than pet lizards, the time lapse between meals is not much different. The feeding frequency of lizards is two days in warm weather and three days in cold weather.
Also read: What Eats Lizards? Learn All About Lizard Predators
Do Lizards Eat Lizards?
Although cannibalism is rare among lizards, there are lizard species that eat their own kind. The collared lizard, for example, eats other lizards as part of its diet.
Do Lizards Eat Baby Lizards?
Yes, lizards eat baby lizards. Komodo and bearded dragons have no qualms with eating their offspring.
What Do Baby Lizards Eat?
Baby lizards are born independent of their mother and have developed digestive systems. Hence, they will eat whatever adult lizards eat, albeit smaller prey and easy-to-find foliage. Their diet includes:
- Crickets
- Ants
- Flies
- Grasshoppers
- Worms
- Spiders
- Small rodents
What Do You Feed Pet Lizards?
Feeding your pet lizards depends on their diet. For insectivores, crickets and mealworms should be served coated in calcium supplements. Vegetables and fruits like okra, broccoli, avocado, and blueberries would suffice for herbivores. Omnivores can be fed dead rodents like mice and rats.
Also read: Are Lizards Dangerous? Do They Attack Humans?
How Long Can Lizards Live Without Food?
Factors like species, size, and age can affect how long lizards go without food. Generally, lizards can survive without food for 2 weeks to 2 months.
How Long Can Baby Lizards Live Without Food?
Although baby lizards hatch fully developed, they are not as resilient as adult lizards. Hence, baby lizards are less likely to survive without food for a week.
Are Lizards Omnivores?
Yes, some lizards are omnivores. These lizards would eat both meat and vegetation. Examples are blue-tongued skinks, bearded dragons, and Argentine Black Tegu.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Insects Do Lizards Eat?
Lizards eat a wide variety of insects and in general, would consume any insect they can swallow. Some common insect foods are crickets, moths, ants, termites, flies, and grasshoppers.
Do Lizards Eat Worms?
Yes, lizards eat worms, but their diet might be restricted to those available in their habitat in the wild. Examples are earthworms, mealworms, silkworms, and hornworms.
Do Lizards Eat Flies?
Flies make up a substantial diet portion of insectivore lizard species like the house lizard and garden skink. Thus, they are effective pest control.
Do Lizards Eat Crickets?
Insectivorous and omnivorous lizards eat crickets. Crickets are coated in supplements and fed to pet lizards in pet stores and terrariums.
What Do Geckos Eat Besides Bugs?
Besides bugs, geckos can also eat snails and worms. They are not picky eaters and would consume almost anything smaller than them.
Can Geckos Eat Earthworms?
Yes, geckos can eat earthworms, but it is not advisable to feed them that. Earthworms are not nutritious and can carry parasites or harmful heavy metals inside them.
