Learning reptiles names in English helps students talk about animals, habitats, and science topics with the right words. This post teaches vocabulary for reptiles found in nature, deserts, rainforests, and homes. From snakes to turtles, learners will find species grouped by type and setting. The vocabulary includes both common and uncommon reptiles to give a full understanding. Pictures will support the vocabulary and make learning easier for English learners.
Table of Contents
Common Reptiles Names in English with Pictures
Reptiles are cold-blooded animals that breathe air and usually have scales. Below is a list of reptiles names in English to help improve animal and science vocabulary.
Python: Large non-venomous snake that kills prey by wrapping and squeezing tightly.
Turtle: Reptile with hard shell, living in water and on land, known for longevity.
Crocodile: Large aquatic reptile with strong jaws, living in rivers, lakes, and wetlands worldwide.
Anole: Small lizard often changing colors, commonly found in warm tropical and subtropical regions.
Komodo Dragon: The world’s largest lizard, powerful predator found only in Indonesian islands.
Iguana: Herbivorous lizard with long tail, often kept as a pet in many homes.
Basilisk: Known as the “Jesus lizard,” it can run quickly across water surfaces.
Bearded Dragon: Popular pet lizard with spiky beard, friendly behavior, and easy care needs.
Chameleon: Famous for changing skin color, chameleons also have eyes moving in different directions.
Gecko: Small lizard with sticky toe pads, able to climb walls and ceilings easily.
Boa: Large constrictor snake, wrapping prey tightly, found in tropical regions around the world.
Gila Monster: One of few venomous lizards, living in deserts of North America and Mexico.
Monitor Lizard: Large, intelligent lizard species, skilled hunters found across Asia, Africa, and Australia.
Lizard: General term for reptiles with scaly skin, movable eyelids, and mostly four legs.
Cobra: Venomous snake famous for its hood, delivering dangerous bites when it feels threatened.
Viper: Snake with long fangs and strong venom, commonly found in forests and grasslands.
Alligator: Large reptile similar to crocodile, found mostly in freshwater rivers and swamps.
Tortoise: Land-dwelling reptile with a hard shell, living long lives, feeding mostly on plants.
Skink: Small shiny lizard with smooth scales, often moving quickly through grass and soil.
Snake: Legless reptile, found worldwide, ranging from harmless species to highly venomous types.
Types of Reptiles Found in Nature
Reptiles come in many groups based on their body structure, behavior, and evolution. Below is a breakdown of types of reptiles seen in nature.
Lizard Species Names
Lizards are reptiles with long tails, scaly skin, and movable eyelids. Below is a list of lizard species names found in nature and in homes.
- Green Anole
- Komodo Dragon
- Gila Monster
- Bearded Dragon
- Leopard Gecko
- Blue-tongued Skink
- Iguana
- Monitor Lizard
- Frilled Lizard
- Basilisk Lizard
- Chameleon
- Horned Lizard
- Glass Lizard
- Fence Lizard
- Flying Lizard
Snake Species Names
Snakes are legless reptiles known for their flexible bodies. Below is a list of snake species names used in English vocabulary.
- Cobra
- Python
- Boa Constrictor
- Rattlesnake
- Coral Snake
- King Snake
- Garter Snake
- Anaconda
- Viper
- Sidewinder
- Black Mamba
- Ball Python
- Eastern Hognose Snake
- Green Tree Python
- Milk Snake
Crocodilian Names List
Crocodilians are large reptiles that live in freshwater and swamps. Below is a list of crocodilian names found in English vocabulary.
- Saltwater Crocodile
- Nile Crocodile
- American Crocodile
- Dwarf Crocodile
- American Alligator
- Chinese Alligator
- Spectacled Caiman
- Black Caiman
- Broad-snouted Caiman
- Gharial
Turtle and Tortoise Names
Turtles and tortoises are reptiles with shells for protection. Below is a list of turtle and tortoise names used in animal vocabulary.
- Red-eared Slider
- Box Turtle
- Sea Turtle
- Green Turtle
- Loggerhead Turtle
- Snapping Turtle
- Painted Turtle
- Galápagos Tortoise
- Sulcata Tortoise
- Russian Tortoise
- Desert Tortoise
- Eastern Box Turtle
- Aldabra Giant Tortoise
Tuatara Species (Primitive Reptile)
Tuatara is a unique reptile found in New Zealand. It looks like a lizard but belongs to its own group. Below is the species name:
- Common Tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus)
Desert Reptiles and Their Names
Many reptiles are adapted to live in dry, sandy habitats. Below is a list of desert reptiles names that survive in hot conditions.
- Sidewinder Snake
- Horned Lizard
- Desert Tortoise
- Fringe-toed Lizard
- Gila Monster
- Sand Boa
- Desert Iguana
- Zebra-tailed Lizard
- Spiny-tailed Lizard
- Bearded Dragon
Rainforest Reptiles Names List
Rainforests are home to colorful and tropical reptiles. Below is a list of rainforest reptiles names found in English vocabulary.
- Green Tree Python
- Chameleon
- Emerald Tree Boa
- Basilisk Lizard
- Anaconda
- Red-tailed Boa
- Rainforest Gecko
- Monitor Lizard
- Forest Cobra
- Flying Lizard
- Iguana
- Eyelash Viper
Aquatic and Semi-Aquatic Reptile Names
Some reptiles live in or near water for much of their lives. Below is a list of aquatic and semi-aquatic reptiles.
- Green Sea Turtle
- Snapping Turtle
- American Alligator
- Nile Crocodile
- Chinese Softshell Turtle
- Caiman
- Gharial
- Mangrove Monitor
- Water Snake
- Mata Mata Turtle
- Yellow-bellied Slider
Pet Reptiles Commonly Kept at Home
Some reptiles are tame and easy to care for, making them popular pets. Below is a list of reptiles commonly kept at home.
Popular Lizard Pet Names
These lizards are often kept as pets due to their calm nature and small size.
- Leopard Gecko
- Bearded Dragon
- Green Anole
- Crested Gecko
- Blue-tongued Skink
- Uromastyx
- Day Gecko
- African Fat-tailed Gecko
Common Pet Snake Names
These snakes are non-venomous and usually easy to care for.
- Ball Python
- Corn Snake
- Milk Snake
- King Snake
- Rosy Boa
- Gopher Snake
- Kenyan Sand Boa
- California Kingsnake
Friendly Turtle Species
These turtles are small, slow-moving, and often kept in tanks at home.
- Red-eared Slider
- Box Turtle
- Musk Turtle
- Painted Turtle
- Reeves’ Turtle
- Yellow-bellied Slider
Dangerous Reptiles to Know by Name
Some reptiles are venomous or aggressive, and it’s important to know them. Below is a list of dangerous reptiles names in English.
- King Cobra
- Inland Taipan
- Black Mamba
- Gaboon Viper
- Komodo Dragon
- Gila Monster
- Saltwater Crocodile
- Nile Crocodile
- Alligator Snapping Turtle
- Forest Cobra
Reptiles Names, Their Lifestyle and Food
Reptiles have unique ways of living and feeding. Below is a list of reptiles names with their lifestyle and food types.
| Reptile Name | Lifestyle / Habit | Food / Diet |
|---|---|---|
| Snake | Slithers on land or trees; hides in grass or holes | Rodents, birds, frogs, eggs |
| Lizard | Climbs walls or trees; loves sunbathing | Insects, spiders, small worms |
| Crocodile | Lives in rivers and swamps; very territorial | Fish, birds, mammals |
| Alligator | Stays in freshwater; active mostly at night | Fish, turtles, small animals |
| Tortoise | Lives on land; moves slowly | Grass, leaves, fruits |
| Turtle | Lives in water or near ponds | Algae, insects, small fish |
| Chameleon | Lives in trees; changes color to blend in | Insects, caterpillars, grasshoppers |
| Komodo Dragon | Found in dry islands; active predator | Deer, birds, carrion |
| Gecko | Climbs walls; active at night (nocturnal) | Moths, flies, mosquitoes |
| Monitor Lizard | Found near water or forests; good climber and swimmer | Snakes, eggs, small mammals |
| Iguana | Arboreal (tree-dwelling); loves warm weather | Leaves, fruits, flowers |
| Gharial | Stays in rivers; has a long thin snout | Fish, small aquatic animals |
| Skink | Hides under rocks or leaf litter; quick movers | Insects, beetles, spiders |
| Anole | Lives on trees or shrubs; displays colorful throat fan | Small insects, ants, termites |
| Basilisk Lizard | Runs on water; found in Central America | Insects, small vertebrates, fruit |
FAQs
No. Amphibians have moist skin and often need water, while reptiles have dry scales and lay eggs on land.
The main types of reptiles are snakes, lizards, turtles, tortoises, crocodiles, alligators, and tuataras.
Yes. All reptiles are ectothermic, meaning their body temperature depends on the environment around them.
Turtles mostly live in water, while tortoises live on land and have heavier, dome-shaped shells.
Common pet reptiles include the leopard gecko, ball python, red-eared slider, bearded dragon, and corn snake.
You May Also Like
