What is the scientific name for a lizard? A lizard scientific name is Lacertilia.
From being reptiles to the vastness of the habitats they occupy around the world, lizards are fascinating creatures. These fascinating reptiles comprise over 7,000 species with countless variations in size, behavior, and adaptations. The article will be about the scientific names of lizards, their genus, biological classification, meanings, pronunciation, and some examples, such as the horned lizard and the webbed-necked lizard.
Table of Contents
What is the scientific name of a lizard?
The scientific name of a lizard is not the name of a single lizard, as lizards generally belong to different genus and families. Lizards belong to the order Squamata, which also includes snakes. Lizard is a broad term used for many reptiles and lizards, not any specific genus.
However, if we mention a lizard that will be found in parts of Europe and Asia, this particular lizard can be called the common wall lizard, while its scientific name is Podarcis muralis.
- Common name: Wall lizard
- Scientific name: Podarcis muralis
- Genus: Podarcis
- Species: muralis
Meaning and Pronunciation of Lizard Scientific Names
Scientific names follow the binomial nomenclature system of Latin origin. The first part represents the genus, and the second is the species.
- Podarcis: Derived from Greek, meaning “swift foot.”
- Muralis: Latin, meaning “of the wall,” referring to its climbing habits.
- Pronunciation: Poh-DAR-sis MUR-ah-lis
Biological classification of lizards
Here is the biological classification for the common wall lizard (Podarcis muralis), which helps place it in the broader tree of life.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Reptilia |
| Order | Squamata |
| Suborder | Lacertilia (Sauria) |
| Family | Lacertidae |
| Genus | Podarcis |
| Species | muralis |
Genus of lizards
There may be many different genera of lizards, depending on their kind. Some notable examples are:
- Podarcis: Common wall lizards
- Anolis: Green anoles and similar tree-dwelling lizards
- Phrynosoma: Horned lizards
- Chlamydosaurus: Frilled-neck lizards
- Varanus: Monitor lizards
- Iguana: Common iguanas
Each genus represents a collection of evolutionary traits, habitats, and behaviors.
Scientific Name of the Frilled-Necked Lizard
The frilled-necked lizard is a uniquely attractive reptile native to northern Australia and southern New Guinea. It has a dramatic neck pattern to intimidate predators. The scientific name for the frilled-necked lizard is Chlamydosaurus kingii.
- Genus: Chlamydosaurus
- Species: kingii
Chlamydosaurus derives its name from the Greek for “cloaked lizard” and refers to its expandable neck frill. Kingii honors naturalist Philip Parker King, who was instrumental in the early studies of Australian fauna.
Classification of Frilled-Neck Lizard
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Reptilia
- Order: Squamata
- Family: Agamidae
- Genus: Chlamydosaurus
- Species: kingii
Horned Lizard Scientific Name and Types
Horned lizards are famous for their armored look and the ability of some species to squirt blood for defense. They are native to North and Central America and are under the genus Phrynosoma.
Most Common Horned Lizard
Phrynosoma cornutum – Also called the Texas horned lizard
- Genus: Phrynosoma
- Species: cornutum
- Pronunciation: FRY-no-so-ma COR-new-tum
“Phrynosoma” means “toad-bodied“, and “corantum” refers to a horned or scaly appearance.
Classification of Horned Lizard
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Reptilia
- Order: Squamata
- Family: Phrynosomatidae
- Genus: Phrynosoma
- Species: cornutum
Other species of horned lizards include:
- Phrynosoma hernandesi: Short-horned lizard
- Phrynosoma platyrhinos: Desert horned lizard
- Phrynosoma modestum: Round-tailed horned lizard
Types of Lizards Around the World
Lizards are enormously diverse in shape and species. The following are some major types:
1. Geckos
Small, often nocturnal lizards with adhesive toe pads.
- Example: Hemidactylus frenatus (Common house gecko)
2. Iguanas
Herbivorous lizards are distributed over tropical areas.
- Example: Iguana iguana (Green iguana)
3. Monitor Lizards
Large carnivorous lizards include the Komodo dragon.
- Example: Varanus komodoensis
4. Anoles
Lizards that live in trees are known for their coloration.
- Example: Anolis carolinensis
5. Chameleons
Famous for their color-changing skin and long, sticky tongues.
- Example: Chamaeleo calyptratus
Why Lizard Scientific Names Matter
Using scientific names erases the confusion from common names, which may vary by zone or language. One example:
- “Horned lizard” is “horned toad” in some places, even though it is not a toad.
- “Iguana,” on the other hand, may refer to different species in Central America compared to South America.
- Scientific naming provides the universal language of scientists all around the world.
Conclusion
Lizards are a large and diverse group of reptiles with complex classes. There is no single scientific name for lizards, but knowing two names for some species, such as the bent-neck lizard (Chlamydosaurus kangi) and the horned lizard (Phrynosoma cornutum), will allow you to see the richness within this amazingly diverse reptile group. All of these names have a meaning, history, and biological relevance.
To learn more about scientific names and classifications, visit our home page at ScientificNamea.com.
