Instructions
Compare the size of the body of female and male lizards. Female lizards are longer and thinner than males. Males are shorter, wider and heavier than female lizards.
Notice the head size of female and male lizards. Females have a smaller sized head than the opposite sex. Male lizards have larger heads that have a more squared shape than females.
Turn the lizard over to look at its belly. Notice the small bulge between the tail and the end of the abdomen on male lizards (particularly geckos); the female does not have a bulge at all. There are femoral pores that are also on the male near the same area in the shape of a "V" and in a dark color, whereas the female pores are not as noticeable since they are much lighter in color.
Look at the coloring and markings of female and male lizards. The male will be brightly colored to attract female lizards. For example, male eastern garden lizards have a reddish colored throat that gets redder during breeding season. Female coloring doesn't change, even during breeding season, and is lighter than the male colors. The eastern fence male lizard has a deep blue stripe down its belly, and the female is plainly colored and marked. The leopard gecko male has spots, which the female lacks.
Analyze the personality of male and female lizards. Males tend to be more aggressive than female lizards, especially during breeding season. Some male lizards, especially leopard lizards, are highly territorial. Females are not.
How to Identify Male & Female Lizards
Lizards are one of the most popular kinds of reptiles. They are diverse and are highly adaptable to various kinds of changes in their habitat. Lizards are the largest group of reptiles with more than 5,000 different types, including iguana, gecko, and the chameleon. Identifying male and female lizards can be rather difficult, and it is best to wait to determine their sex until they reach maturity. Most lizards can reach maturity by 10 months old.