Welcome to Reptile House!
- ejharpist
- Apr 13
- 3 min read
In daily life it's easy to come across mammals (you are one!) and birds, even insects, but most of us don't see reptiles on a daily basis, so perhaps that is why some people assume they are slimy, unappealing or unimportant.
I hope to help you understand the beauty of reptiles, and learn some facts about the diversity of these amazing creatures. So, let's explore together!
Some of my favorite reptiles
My mama's favorite is this Butaan (Gray's Monitor Lizard) because its sweet face and kind eyes helped her feel closer to reptiles.
Grand Cayman Blue Iguana
I have a soft spot for any endangered creature (or plant). The Grand Cayman Blue Iguana is endemic to only one place, and it needs help to survive. Like all iguanas that I have seen, the way they move is so calm and peaceful. Plus, they are blue, which is my second favorite color and they are herbivorous, like me!. When I started to get to know and understand reptiles, I really looked at the blue iguanas at the Bronx Zoo and got to know them.
William's Dwarf Gecko - the color, the size, what more is there to say?
Sakishima Grass Lizard - this itty bitty cutie from Japan likes to hide in the green plants.
It could sit on my hand, tail and all and watching it move among the plants reminds me how we are all connected and how precious every little life is.
Aruba Rattlesnake - This snake changed my perspective of snakes. It's smaller than many of the "well-known" and it seems almost cute. It's endemic to Aruba and there are only 230 left in the wild but there is a species conservation plan in place to help.
Acultzingo Alligator Lizard is critically endangered and lives in the forests of Southern Mexico. They camouflage pretty well, and their color ranges from green to blue. Full-size, they are 6-12 inches, including the tail!
The Award Goes to...
Fastest - Perentie (a type of monitor lizard) found in Australia, but rarely seen.
2nd place - Green Iguana with a maximum recorded speed of 22 mph! Interestingly, when we see the green iguana at the Bronx Zoo, we're drawn to its stillness.
Slowest - Galapagos Giant Tortoise
Smallest - Brookesia nana, also called the nano-chameleon is as small as a sunflower seed!
Only discovered in 2021 and found only in Madagascar.
Largest - Saltwater Crocodile (males are 17-20 feet in length and weigh 2200-2900 pounds)
Newest (to be acknowledged by humans) - Rainbow Rock Monitor (Varanus iridis), the Orange-headed Rock Monitor (Varanus umbra) and the Yellow-headed Rock Monitor. All reside in Australia and are genetically different from each other.
Cutest - hard to say, there are so many, but seeing the babies in the Bronx Zoo Reptile Nursery - they are all SO cute! Here are some babies for you to enjoy.
Reptile Inspiration
I am not sure what type of turtles Saint-Saëns envisioned, but maybe this famous music will get you dancing like a turtle (do turtles dance?) or smiling...
and, Connor Chee's really cool piano piece celebrating the Horny Toad (which is in fact a reptile, not an amphibian). The Horny Toad is important in Diné culture, serving as a sacred symbol of resilience, wisdom and protection.
Wherever you live, I hope you find reptiles to celebrate... here's a start - do you know the reptile for your state (or country)?
I learned so much about reptiles from this post, it was great. My favorite, I have to say, is the smallest one--the nano-chameleon. It is so cute! I also loved seeing the video of the Galapagos Tortoise. Also, I've been to Aruba, but didn't see any rattlesnakes. I was surprised to learn that there is a rattle snake species endemic to that island. And last but not least, Connor Chee's Horny Toad piano piece was remarkably soothing and lovely. Thank you for sharing about these wonderful animals!
Wow, so many! Your post made me recall seeing a giant Galapagos turtle. It was remarkable, BIG!
Rainbow rock monitor for me! Very cool collection, Oliver. Impressive work. I guess WA State doesn't have a state reptile. Love, Dan