What Animals Are Considered Reptiles?

Reptiles live in water and on land; some have legs, others don't. Reptiles have been around for at least 300 million years--they may have coexisted with dinosaurs. Reptiles are cold-blooded, which means they cannot produce their own body heat. Reptiles lay eggs to produce offspring. Some reptile species are docile enough to be kept as pets, but you must understand the nature of these pets for your safety and their.

  1. Tortoises and Turtles

    • A tortoise enjoys his photo shoot.

      Both tortoises and turtles have protective shells. Some can pull their heads, tails, and limbs inside the shell, but others--like loggerhead and snapping turtles--can't. Tortoises mainly live on land, while turtles can live on land and in water. Some turtles species have flippers for swimming. All seven species of sea turtles are endangered. Tortoises can live for 150 years and can range between 100 and 1,300 lbs.

    Sea Snakes

    • There are 65 species of sea snakes. They live in the tropical areas of Africa, Southeast Asia and Panama. Sea snakes have the most toxic venom in the world. Sea snakes feast on fish that swim around coral reefs.

    Saltwater Crocodile

    • A crocodile looks on.

      The Saltwater Crocodile lives near Southeast Asia and the Northern Australian Coastline. As the largest reptile, a saltwater crocodile can grow up to 23 feet long and weight up to 2,200 lbs. When in the water, crocodiles eat sharks; on land they may eat land-dwelling monkeys, buffalo and occasionally unsuspecting humans swimming in the water near the shoreline. Hunting and loss of habitat are reducing crocodile populations.

    Alligators

    • Alligators are smaller than crocodiles.

      Alligators have four webbed feet that enable them to swim. Alligators can grow up to 15 feet long and weigh up to 1,000 lbs. Alligators are native to the Southeastern US and China.

    Lizards

    • A Komodo dragon enjoys its nap.

      The 5,000 species of lizards are characterized by their four legs, long tails, and their occasionally sticking tongues. Some lizards such as iguanas and geckos are kept as pets. Other lizards like the Gila monsters and Komodo dragons are venomous. Chameleons change color to match what is around them so they can hide from preditors. Monitor lizards can grow to six feet. Some lizards shed tails to escape predators, then a new tail grows in its place.

    Snakes

    • A python navigates its path.

      Snakes have no legs. They slither by moving scales (the line-like patterns) on their undersides. Venomous snakes (rattlesnake and cobras) have fangs they use to inject venom into their prey to kill it. Snakes eat their food whole--sometimes bigger than their bodies are round. Snakes like boa constrictors and pythons kill their prey by squeezing it. Boas and pythons grow to 12 feet or more and be up to 10 inches wide.

    Considerations

    • Use caution if you have pythons or other large reptiles for pets, especially if you have small children, rabbits, dogs or cats. Keep theirs aquariums secured and comfortable. Because they are cold-blooded, you'll have to find ways to keep them warm.