English Vocabulary

Reptiles Names in English

Reptiles Names in English with their Pictures

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.

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.

  • Snake
  • Lizard
  • Crocodile
  • Alligator
  • Turtle
  • Tortoise
  • Chameleon
  • Gecko
  • Iguana
  • Komodo dragon
  • Monitor lizard
  • Gila monster
  • Boa
  • Python
  • Cobra
  • Rattlesnake
  • Skink
  • Tuatara
  • Anole
  • Sidewinder
Reptiles Names List by Type, Habitat, and Features
English reptiles names categorized by type: aquatic, pet, dangerous, and desert reptiles

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 NameLifestyle / HabitFood / Diet
SnakeSlithers on land or trees; hides in grass or holesRodents, birds, frogs, eggs
LizardClimbs walls or trees; loves sunbathingInsects, spiders, small worms
CrocodileLives in rivers and swamps; very territorialFish, birds, mammals
AlligatorStays in freshwater; active mostly at nightFish, turtles, small animals
TortoiseLives on land; moves slowlyGrass, leaves, fruits
TurtleLives in water or near pondsAlgae, insects, small fish
ChameleonLives in trees; changes color to blend inInsects, caterpillars, grasshoppers
Komodo DragonFound in dry islands; active predatorDeer, birds, carrion
GeckoClimbs walls; active at night (nocturnal)Moths, flies, mosquitoes
Monitor LizardFound near water or forests; good climber and swimmerSnakes, eggs, small mammals
IguanaArboreal (tree-dwelling); loves warm weatherLeaves, fruits, flowers
GharialStays in rivers; has a long thin snoutFish, small aquatic animals
SkinkHides under rocks or leaf litter; quick moversInsects, beetles, spiders
AnoleLives on trees or shrubs; displays colorful throat fanSmall insects, ants, termites
Basilisk LizardRuns on water; found in Central AmericaInsects, small vertebrates, fruit

FAQs

Are amphibians reptiles?

No. Amphibians have moist skin and often need water, while reptiles have dry scales and lay eggs on land.

What are the main types of reptiles?

The main types of reptiles are snakes, lizards, turtles, tortoises, crocodiles, alligators, and tuataras.

Are all reptiles cold-blooded?

Yes. All reptiles are ectothermic, meaning their body temperature depends on the environment around them.

What is the difference between a turtle and a tortoise?

Turtles mostly live in water, while tortoises live on land and have heavier, dome-shaped shells.

Which reptiles are commonly kept as pets?

Common pet reptiles include the leopard gecko, ball python, red-eared slider, bearded dragon, and corn snake.

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