Whether or not you see one skittering throughout your wall or hiding behind a curtain, lizards are inclined to evoke sturdy reactions — largely a mixture of worry, shock, and delicate revulsion.
Whereas these reptiles play an vital function in our ecosystems by protecting insect populations in test, they can be downright unsettling, particularly whenever you study what they’re actually able to.
If you happen to thought their darting tongues and sudden tail drops have been the extent of their weirdness, suppose once more. Listed below are 5 downright disgusting information about lizards which may make your pores and skin crawl:
Some lizards eat their very own pores and skin
Sure, you learn that proper. After shedding, many lizards devour their sloughed-off pores and skin. It’d sound gross, however this helps them recycle vitamins and keep away from leaving a hint for any predators.
They defecate and urinate by way of the identical opening
Like birds, lizards use a single opening referred to as a cloaca to get rid of each stable and liquid waste. These reptiles additionally use this opening for replica. And infrequently, you’ll have seen that their droppings embody a white, chalky blob referred to as uric acid, which is their model of pee.
Whereas it’s not a standard behaviour, some lizard species, together with iguanas and monitor lizards, are identified to cannibalise their younger (Supply: Freepik)
Their tails maintain shifting after detachment
Even after separating from a lizard’s physique, its tail will wriggle and twitch on the bottom for a number of minutes. This can be a protection mechanism, additionally referred to as autotomy, that helps the lizard escape from predators.
They often eat their infants
Sure, whereas it’s not a standard behaviour, some lizard species, together with iguanas and monitor lizards, are identified to cannibalise their younger if meals is scarce, they really feel a risk, or are considerably confused.
Story continues under this advert
Lizards odor with their tongues
Lizards flick their tongues out and in not simply to catch prey but additionally to odor their surroundings. Licking the air and tasting particles, together with poop or carcasses, will not be gross to them, but it surely certain is to us.