What Do You Feed Swamp Lizards?

Swamps are warm, wet areas most commonly found in southern states in North America. These areas are booming with plant and animal life that are unique to the heavily forested, water-logged land. Some animals flourish in the low-oxygen water, some at the surface of the water and some above the water. There are many types of lizards and reptiles that live in these swamps and eat food that is provided by the surrounding land.

  1. American Alligator

    • Alligators eat fish, birds, turtles, reptiles and mammals.

      Alligators are the largest and most common swamp lizard. They spend the majority of their lives in fresh water, such as swamps, marshes, canals and lakes. Alligators swim very well, which is how they acquire their prey. Alligators are nocturnal and hunt primarily at night. They feed on fish, birds, turtles, reptiles and mammals. They use their 80 teeth to latch onto their prey and swallow it whole.

    American Crocodile

    • Crocodiles are rare swamp lizards that are distinguished by long, slender snouts.

      Crocodiles are large and very rare swamp lizards. Unlike the alligator, crocodiles can survive in saltwater, mangrove swamps and estuaries, which is the location at which a river meets the sea. They are most commonly found in Florida, Central and South America. They are nocturnal and use their 66 teeth to hunt for their prey. Crocodiles are completely carnivorous and feed mainly on fish and animals that hover in or near the water's edge, such as turtles, snakes, crustaceans, small mammals and birds.

    Caiman

    • Caimans are similar to both alligators and crocodiles. They are large, meat-eating swamp lizards that spend most of their lives in the water. They are freshwater creatures that live primarily in South America. They reside in slow-moving rivers, streams, lakes and seasonly flooded areas. Caimans are nocturnal, doing most of their hunting and traveling at night. Caimans prey on fish, including piranha and catfish, birds, turtles, reptiles, and mammals that are near or in the water.

    Salamanders

    • Salamanders eat insects, worms, snails, small fish and small animals.

      Salamanders are brightly colored, small swamp lizards that are found in moist, wooded areas in North America, Europe and Asia. Salamanders can be considered a swamp lizard because of their size, shape and overall nature. Salamanders and other small swamp lizards live in or around the water. Salamanders feed mainly on insects, worms, snails, small fish and other small animals.