Difference Between Snake and Lizard

Snake vs Lizard

The snake and lizard are the most diverse and flourishing reptiles today. These two are identified by their scaly skins, how they breathe and having shelled eggs. Furthermore, they are cold-blooded (don’t utilize their metabolism in sustaining their body temperature).

Snake

Snake’s English term came from the old English word, snaca. These are carnivorous type of reptiles. They are seen in every continent excluding Antartica. Their size varies from the smallest, from the 10-cm in length like the thread snake to the pythons and anacondas. Majority of them are non-venomous and other who have venoms are used mainly in killing and subduing their prey.

Lizard

Lizard is a collective name for a large cluster of squamate reptiles, which covers about 3,800 species. As mentioned, they have scaly skin. Lizards, but not all, have the ability of shedding off their tails when there’s danger. Some of them are very good climbers, which aid them in quickly escaping any danger. They can also climb solid surfaces.

What is the difference between Snake and Lizard

The snake and the lizard may share some similar characteristics. However, they can easily be differentiated and the most visible difference they have is their appearance. Snake does not have legs while lizards have 4 legs. A snake moves with the aid of its ventral scales while lizards move with its legs. Snakes don’t have ear openings, they can only perceive sound through their skull bone and the vibrations that they feel on the ground. As for lizards, they can hear sounds through their external ears. Their respiratory is also different. Snakes only have a single lung while lizards have a pair.

Whatever their differences are they are of the same family. They are very efficient in living and surviving in the wilderness. Lizards and snakes can be kept as pets. However, when domesticating snakes caution must always be practiced.