What Are the Different Types of House Lizard?

Many different types of house lizard exist — the term can refer to any lizard which is suitable to be kept as a pet. One major house lizard is the house gecko, commonly found in tropical countries. The bearded dragon, leopard gecko, blue-tongued skink, green iguana, and the Carolina anole are five other types of house lizard that many people keep as pets. The rock agama is a unique type of house lizard, popular because it shares similar colors to fictional superhero Spiderman’s costume.

One lizard which is actually named for its pervasiveness in people's homes is the house gecko, commonly found in tropical countries — particularly in southeast Asia. Adult house geckos can grow up to around 5 inches (12.7 centimeters) in length, and can therefore be kept in a relatively small enclosure. As a result of their propensity for climbing, they are happiest when kept in a vertical enclosure with some branches for climbing and hiding places.

Beaded dragons are another popular type of house lizard. This is because they are relatively friendly, in the sense that they don’t usually mind being handled by their owners. They are also generally quite active within their enclosures, which can make them more entertaining to keep as pets. It is important to note that bearded dragons can grow up to a maximum of around 23.6 inches (60 centimeters), which means they need an enclosure of around 35.4 x 20 x 20 inches (90 x 50 x 50 centimeters). A mixture of insects and vegetables make up the bearded dragon’s diet, making it more difficult to feed than some other types of house lizard.

The leopard gecko is a common type of house lizard particularly suitable for people with little experience caring for lizards. The biggest leopard geckos can grow up to around 10 inches (25 centimeters) in length, and two could be kept in a 24 x 16 x 16 inch terrarium (60 x 40 x 40 centimeters). Leopard geckos eat insects, and their diet is composed primarily of crickets, which is generally easy for owners to deal with. They are nocturnal, which means that they are most active in the night, when most humans are asleep.

Many other types of lizard can be classified as a suitable house lizard. One notable species is the rock agama, which features a blue and red skin similar to the costume worn by the fictional superhero Spiderman. These lizards are popular pets, along with other breeds such as the blue-tongued skink, the Carolina anole, and the green iguana. The green iguana is amongst the largest of the house lizards, growing up to 78.7 inches (2 meters) in length.

Common house lizards include the gecko species like the Hemidactylus frenatus, or common house gecko, which is known for its distinctive chirping sounds and ability to climb walls. Another is the Anolis species, often referred to as anole lizards, which are recognized by their color-changing abilities and dewlaps used for communication.

House lizards can be identified by their small to medium size, smooth scales, and ability to adhere to walls and ceilings. They often have long, slender bodies with a pointed snout, and many species have a tail that can detach when threatened. Their coloration typically ranges from browns to greens, which helps them blend into their environment.

House lizards are generally not dangerous to humans. They are non-venomous and do not pose a significant health risk. In fact, they are beneficial as they help control insect populations, including mosquitoes and moths. However, their droppings can be unsightly and, in rare cases, may cause allergic reactions or carry salmonella bacteria.

House lizards primarily feed on insects and other small invertebrates. Their diet includes ants, flies, mosquitoes, and spiders. They have an opportunistic feeding behavior and will often wait for prey to come near them before striking. Their presence in a home can indicate an underlying insect problem.

House lizards typically reproduce by laying eggs, although some species are capable of live birth. Females lay eggs in secure, hidden locations within the home, such as in cracks or crevices. The eggs hatch into miniature versions of the adults. Depending on the species, the number of eggs and incubation period can vary significantly.

Some house lizard species, like certain geckos, can be kept as pets. They require a warm and humid environment that mimics their natural habitat, along with a diet of live insects. It's important to research the specific care requirements for the species you're interested in, as they can vary widely in terms of habitat, temperature, and dietary needs.