Types of reptiles

There are four types of reptiles.

• Crocodilia
• Sphenodontia
• Squamata
• Testudines

Crocodilia

• Crocodilians are large, powerful jaws, and a semi-aquatic lifestyle.

• Crocodilia class includes crocodiles, alligators, caimans, and gharials.

• Found in tropical regions around the world.

• Streamlined body shape, and long tails.

• Crocodilians are at the top of the food chain in their ecosystems.

• They usually eat fish, birds, mammals, and sometimes even other reptiles.

• Example: Gharial, Alligator, etc.

Sphenodontia

• The tuatara (Sphenodon) is the only genus left in the sphenodontia class of reptiles.

• They are found only in New Zealand.

• Tuataras have a apiky crest along their back and a “third eye” on top of their heads.

• Often called living fossils because they have remained relatively unchanged for millions of years.

• Tuataras are carnivores and they eat insects, spiders, and even small reptiles.

• They are slow movers.

• Example: Tuatara, Living Fossil Lizard, etc.

Squamata

• Squamates are the largest group of reptiles, including lizards and snakes.

• Characterized by their flexible bodies, movable eyelids, and ability to shed their skin.

• Lizards have legs, eyelids, and external ears, while snakes don’t have legs and external ears.

• Found almost everywhere worldwide (in deserts to forests to oceans).

• Squamates usually eat insects, small mammals, birds, eggs, and even other reptiles.

• Example: Snakes, Cobra, etc.

Testudines

• Testudines are reptiles commonly known as turtles, tortoises, and terrapins.

• They are characterized by their shell, which is composed of a carapace (top) and plastron (bottom).

• Testudines are adapted for aquatic life, tortoises are land-dwelling.

• Found on every continent except Antarctica.

• They are herbivores, carnivores, or omnivores, depending on the species.

• Some testudines eat plants, while some testudines eat snack, fish, and insects.

• Example: Turtles, Tortoise, etc.

Also Read

• Binomial Nomenclature 

Reptiles are usually cold-blooded animals means their body temperature depends on the temperature of their surroundings. They have dry, scaly skin, and most of them lay eggs to reproduce. Reptiles belong to the species of Reptilia. Some reptiles live on land while some in water.

The size of reptiles varies, some are tiny while some are massive in size. Snakes, Turtles, Lizards, and Crocodiles are some examples of reptiles. Check the list of Reptile’s Names in English and Hindi below.