What Do Lizards Eat? Lizard Diet and Favorite Food)
In this discussion, we will delve into answering the question, “what do lizards eat?” Beginning with a brief overview of what lizards like to eat in the wild, we’ll proceed to list the favorite foods that constitute a standard lizard diet. We will conclude by addressing frequent queries about the feeding habits and nutritional needs of lizards.
Belonging to the family of squamate reptiles, lizards are a diverse group with over 6,000 species, varying in size from tiny chameleons to colossal Komodo dragons.
What Do Lizards Eat?
From small animals and insects to fish, mice, mollusks, and crabs, lizards eat a wide array of creatures. An omnivorous lizard further expands its diet to include vegetables and fruits. The availability of prey and vegetation in its habitat shapes a lizard’s diet.
The array of Foods Lizards Enjoy
- Insects
- Fish
- Mollusks
- Mealworms
- Crickets
- Crabs
- Spiders
- Roaches
- Vegetables
- Fruit
How Often Does a Lizard Eat?
Lizards, being active animals, typically eat every two to three days. The frequency of feeding depends on the season; during warm weather, they eat every two days and during cooler weather, every three days.
How Much Do Lizards Eat Per Day?
A lizard’s daily diet comprises between 2-5 crickets or a couple of mealworms. The species of the lizard determines the quantity of food it requires; smaller ones like anoles and fence lizards eat less in comparison to larger ones like agamas that can consume up to 20 large crickets each day.
How Long Can Lizards Live Without Food?
Lizards can survive up to two weeks or more without eating. Larger species like agamas can endure longer fasting periods due to their ability to create energy by breaking down existing fat stores.
Do Lizards Eat Vegetables?
Yes, some lizards do include vegetables and plant matter in their diet, especially those belonging to the omnivorous species like Clarkâs spiny lizard. However, it’s worth noting that certain fruits and vegetables, like broccoli, cabbage, spinach, and kale, can be harmful to lizards.
Do Lizards Eat Meat?
Yes, carnivorous or omnivorous lizards do eat meat. However, certain species like green iguanas, exclusively eat fruits and vegetables. As noted by National Geographic, a green iguana is a herbivorous lizard that feeds solely on leaves, flowers, and fruits.
Do Lizards Eat Fruit?
Yes, lizards do eat fruits such as bananas, strawberries, grapes, and papaya, especially if they are omnivorous or herbivorous. However, some fruits can be harmful to lizards as they contain ingredients that obstruct the absorption of calcium.
What Animals Eat Lizards?
Lizards fall prey to several different species. Check out our additional guide on what animals eat lizards to discover the predators that actively prey on these reptiles.
A Summary of Lizard Eating Habits and Diet
Now you are well-versed in what lizards eat in the wild and the typical foods that form a lizard’s diet. As revealed in this guide, lizards can be either carnivorous or omnivorous, preying on a variety of species and consuming vegetation for nutritional needs. A lizard’s favorite foods are typically insects, mice, vegetables, and fruit.
