What Kinds of Lizards Are Nocturnal?

Most lizards are diurnal, meaning they sleep at night and are active during the day. Some species of lizard, however, such as most geckos, are nocturnal, sleeping during the day and becoming active at night. Many nocturnal lizards live in desert climates and are not active during the day in order to protect themselves from the heat.

  1. Leopard Gecko

    • The leopard gecko, or Eublepharis macularius, is a nocturnal lizard native to the desert regions of India, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Leopard geckos are generally cream-colored with black spots. They measure about 8 to 10 inches in length when fully grown. Leopard geckos hide during the day and come out to feed at night. They eat many types of worms, including mealworms, waxworms and earthworms, as well as other insects such as crickets and locusts.

    Gila Monster

    • The gila monster, or Heloderma suspectum, is a nocturnal lizard native to the desert regions of the southern United States and Mexico. The gila monster is a large lizard, measuring about 17 to 24 inches in length. It has a stout, short tail and is bright-orange or yellow with beadlike scales on its back. Gila monsters are the only species of lizard that are venomous. It kills its prey with venom produced by glands in its lower jaw. Though the gila monster is primarily nocturnal, it has been known to come out in the daytime occasionally during the spring.

    Western Banded Gecko

    • The western banded gecko is native to many parts of the southwestern United States. It has two spurlike projections near the base of its tail, and its body is generally pink or brown in color. Like most species of gecko, this lizard is nocturnal. During the daylight hours, the western banded gecko hides under leaves and branches to protect itself from the heat and is active at night when it is cooler, feeding on insects such as grasshoppers, beetles and termites.

    Australian Velvet Gecko

    • As its name suggests, the Australian velvet gecko is native to Australia. It can also be found in New Zealand and New Caledonia. It is nocturnal, emerging from hiding at night to feed on insects such as waxworms, locusts and spiders. Australian velvet geckos are brownish green in color with white spots and stripes. They can grow as long as six inches in length.