This animal can swallow small prey whole. the female alligator takes more care of her young than the female Crocodile.

Alligator

This animal can swallow small prey whole. the female alligator takes more care of her young than the…

The Mississippi alligator grows to a length of fourteen or fifteen feet, inhabiting lakes, rivers, and wetlands.

Alligator

The Mississippi alligator grows to a length of fourteen or fifteen feet, inhabiting lakes, rivers, and…

Ranging from eighteen to twenty-four inches long, the brown amphisbaena feeds on worms and insects, primarily ants.

Brown amphisbaena

Ranging from eighteen to twenty-four inches long, the brown amphisbaena feeds on worms and insects,…

The inner ear of a reptile (top), a bird (left) and an ox (right).

Animal Ears

The inner ear of a reptile (top), a bird (left) and an ox (right).

A small species of venemous serpent found in the European Alps.

Asp

A small species of venemous serpent found in the European Alps.

An illustration of a bird and frog.

Bird & Frog

An illustration of a bird and frog.

Illustration of the head of a bishop's staff, also called a crosier. The head is a serpent curled around another reptilian figure and a man with a staff. The serpent symbolizes that the bishop is responsible for the blood of his parish. The lower part is highly ornamented with vines, etc.

Bishop's Staff - Head with Serpent Design

Illustration of the head of a bishop's staff, also called a crosier. The head is a serpent curled around…

A black snake attacking a nest of brown thrushes.

Black Snake and Brown Thrushes

A black snake attacking a nest of brown thrushes.

The Ringed Boa (Epicrates cenchria) is a non-venomous snake in the Boidae family of boas.

Ringed Boa

The Ringed Boa (Epicrates cenchria) is a non-venomous snake in the Boidae family of boas.

Found in India, this species of bokadam is nonvenemous.

Karoo bokadam

Found in India, this species of bokadam is nonvenemous.

Posessing a nearly perfectly hemispherical shell, the American box turtle ranges from Canada to Florida. It feeds on fruits, insects, edible mushrooms, and the like.

American box-tortoise

Posessing a nearly perfectly hemispherical shell, the American box turtle ranges from Canada to Florida.…

Ranging throughout the Northern and Middle States, Blanding's box-tortoise measures seven to inches in length at the shell.

Blanding's box-tortoise

Ranging throughout the Northern and Middle States, Blanding's box-tortoise measures seven to inches…

"A genus of saurian reptiles, constituting a distinct family, of very peculiar form and structure, and on various accounts highly interesting. The body is much compressed; the dorsal line sharp, in some of the species rising into an elevated crest; the back of the head is also elevated into a sort of cone. The neck is very short, and does not admit of the head being turned, for which, however, compensation is found in the remarkable powers of motion possessed by the large prominent eyes, which move independently of one another, and are covered with a membrane pierced only with a small hole for the pupil to look through." — Chambers, 1881

Chameleon

"A genus of saurian reptiles, constituting a distinct family, of very peculiar form and structure, and…

The common chameleon (Chamaeleo chamaeleon) is a lizard that is well known for its camouflage ability.

Common Chameleon

The common chameleon (Chamaeleo chamaeleon) is a lizard that is well known for its camouflage ability.

"Chameleon is a genus of reptiles belonging to the Saurian or lizard-like order, a native of parts of Asia and Africa. The very remarkable power which these animals possess of changing their color, at a very early period called the attention of observers to their habits. Its skin is composed of a sort of small, scaly grains, and under ordinary circumstances is of a greenish gray color. The eyes are capable of moving independently of each other, taking different directions at the same moment."—(Charles Leonard-Stuart, 1911)

Head of Chameleon

"Chameleon is a genus of reptiles belonging to the Saurian or lizard-like order, a native of parts of…

An illustration of a fossil containing Chirotherium tracks. Chirotherium (also known as Cheirotherium) or 'hand-beast', is the name of a creature which may be known only from fossil imprints of its tracks (trace fossils). These look, by coincidence, remarkably like the hand of an ape/human or bear, with the outermost toe having evolved to extend out to the side like a thumb, although probably only providing a firmer grip in mud. Its tracks were first found in 1834, in red sandstone in Thuringia, Germany, dating from 240 million years ago (mya). This creature was probably an archosaur, related to the ancestors of the dinosaurs.

Chirotherium Tracks

An illustration of a fossil containing Chirotherium tracks. Chirotherium (also known as Cheirotherium)…

Diagram of the circulation of the reptile. Labels: a, pulmonic, and b, somatic circulation; c, heart showing the three cavities. The arrows indicate the course of the blood current.

Circulation of a Reptile

Diagram of the circulation of the reptile. Labels: a, pulmonic, and b, somatic circulation; c, heart…

Cobras are venomous snakes of the familys Elapidae, of several genera, but particularly Naja. (Non-cobra elapidae include the taipans, brown snakes, tiger snakes, fierce snakes, coral snakes, mambas and sea snakes.) Cobras generally inhabit tropical and desert regions of Asia and Africa. When feeling threatened, cobras can rear up and flatten their heads into an instantly recognisable warning posture. The rest of the time their heads are symmetrical and they look much like any other snake bites.

Cobra Head

Cobras are venomous snakes of the familys Elapidae, of several genera, but particularly Naja. (Non-cobra…

"The boa constrictor grows to great size, and greatly resembles the python in its habits." — Goodrich, 1859

Boa constrictor

"The boa constrictor grows to great size, and greatly resembles the python in its habits." — Goodrich,…

A bird walking in to the opened jaws of a crocodile.

Crocodile

A bird walking in to the opened jaws of a crocodile.

A crocodile entering the water.

Crocodile

A crocodile entering the water.

A crocodile and a tiger engaged in a fight.

Crocodile and tiger

A crocodile and a tiger engaged in a fight.

This illustration shows the leg of a crocodile.
P. Pelvis, FE. Femur, TI. Tibia, FI. Fibula, TA. Tarsus, MT. Metatarsus, PH. Phalanges, OC. Os Calcis.

Leg of Crocodile

This illustration shows the leg of a crocodile. P. Pelvis, FE. Femur, TI. Tibia, FI. Fibula, TA. Tarsus,…

The <I>Dipsas cyanodon</I> is a harmless tree snake, found in India.

Dipsas Cyanodon

The Dipsas cyanodon is a harmless tree snake, found in India.

1. Ichthyosaurus, 2. Teleosaurus, 3, 4, and 5. Plesiosaurus

Aquatic dinosaurs

1. Ichthyosaurus, 2. Teleosaurus, 3, 4, and 5. Plesiosaurus

The flying dragon gets its name from its ability to glide for short distance using a thin membrane.

Flying dragon

The flying dragon gets its name from its ability to glide for short distance using a thin membrane.

"The Red-Throated Dragon shows a large membranous expansion (b b) situated between the anterior (d d) and posterior extremities, and supported by the ribs. The dragon by this arrangement can take extensive leaps with perfect safety."&mdash;pettigrew, 1874

Red-Throated Dragon

"The Red-Throated Dragon shows a large membranous expansion (b b) situated between the anterior (d d)…

Longitudinal section through the pineal eye of a lizard. The eye is located in the middle of the dorsal side of the head and is covered by the translucent scaled. The outer wall of the eye vesicle is thickened to form a lens, while the inner pigmented wall is the retina from which the nerve proceeds.

Eye of a Lizard

Longitudinal section through the pineal eye of a lizard. The eye is located in the middle of the dorsal…

Found in Oueensland and other parts of Australia, this lizard belongs to the family Agamidae. It reaches a length of about thirty-two inches, and receives its name from the presence of a large expansion of skin at either side of the neck. This frill is notched at the edge, has special supporting cartilages, and by means of muscles can be folded or expanded at will. The lizard walks upon its hind limbs, like the extinct Iguanodon, having the fore limbs hanging down. When at bay, it expands the frill to its fullest extent and opens the mouth wide, exposing its teeth. It inhabits sandy districts.

Frilled Lizard

Found in Oueensland and other parts of Australia, this lizard belongs to the family Agamidae. It reaches…

An illustration of a frog ice skating on a lake wearing a hat and jacket.

Frog Ice Skating on Lake

An illustration of a frog ice skating on a lake wearing a hat and jacket.

A gecko is a small, four-footed member of the lizard family Geckonidae. Geckos are widely distributed throughout the world, inhabiting primarily warm countries. They are usually dull in color; the eyes are without movable lids; the tail is brittle; while the feet of most species are remarkable for their adhesive digits, which enable the animal to not only climb on smooth surfaces, but even to run along ceilings and back downward. The geckos are insect-eaters and are harmless to man.

Gecko

A gecko is a small, four-footed member of the lizard family Geckonidae. Geckos are widely distributed…

The East Indian Leopard Gecko (Eublepharis hardwickii) is a lizard found in India.

Leopard Gecko

The East Indian Leopard Gecko (Eublepharis hardwickii) is a lizard found in India.

Found throughout Southern Europe, the wall gecko averages about six inches in length. It draws its name from its habit of living in the walls of old buildings.

Wall gecko

Found throughout Southern Europe, the wall gecko averages about six inches in length. It draws its name…

The Gharial or gavial (Gavialis gangeticus) is a large reptile in the Crocodilia order.

Gharial

The Gharial or gavial (Gavialis gangeticus) is a large reptile in the Crocodilia order.

Found in the woods of the Southern States, the glass-snake has the head of a lizard, but the body resembles that of a snake.

Glass-snake

Found in the woods of the Southern States, the glass-snake has the head of a lizard, but the body resembles…

Its color is olive-gray or brown above, with black bands and spots, and checkered black and white beneath. The usual length is three feet. It is nearly related to the American water-snake, and haunts moist places, feeding on frogs, fish, and insects. The soft eggs are about one inch long, and are laid in manure heaps, in rich soil, or on heaps of weeds.

Grass Snake

Its color is olive-gray or brown above, with black bands and spots, and checkered black and white beneath.…

An African species of hooded snake, the asp has a deadly bite.

Naia Haje

An African species of hooded snake, the asp has a deadly bite.

"Hatteria or Sphenodon." -Thomson, 1916

Hatteria

"Hatteria or Sphenodon." -Thomson, 1916

Heart and blood vessels of the turtle. Ad, right auricle; As, left auricle; Ao.d, right arch of the aorta; Ao.s, left arch of the aorta; Ap, dorsal aorta; C, carotids; Ap, pulmonary arteries.

Heart and Blood Vessels of a Turtle

Heart and blood vessels of the turtle. Ad, right auricle; As, left auricle; Ao.d, right arch of the…

A diagram of the heart of a reptile. Labels: 1, Pericardium. 2, Single ventricle. 3, Left auricle. 4, Right auricle. The arrows show the direction of the blood flow.

A Diagram of the Heart of a Reptile

A diagram of the heart of a reptile. Labels: 1, Pericardium. 2, Single ventricle. 3, Left auricle. 4,…

An illustration of a helmetted basilisk.

Helmetted basilisk

An illustration of a helmetted basilisk.

An illustration of an Ichthyosaurus skeleton. Ichthyosaurus is an extinct genus of ichthyosaur from the Early Jurassic (Hettangian - Sinemurian) of Europe (Belgium, England and Germany). It is among the best known ichthyosaur genera, with the Order Ichthyosauria being named after it. Ichthyosaurus was the first complete fossil to be discovered in the early 1800's by Mary Anning in England.

Archaeopteryx Skeleton

An illustration of an Ichthyosaurus skeleton. Ichthyosaurus is an extinct genus of ichthyosaur from…

An illustration of an Ichthyosaurus skull. Ichthyosaurus is an extinct genus of ichthyosaur from the Early Jurassic (Hettangian - Sinemurian) of Europe (Belgium, England and Germany). It is among the best known ichthyosaur genera, with the Order Ichthyosauria being named after it. Ichthyosaurus was the first complete fossil to be discovered in the early 1800's by Mary Anning in England.

Ichthyosaurus Skull

An illustration of an Ichthyosaurus skull. Ichthyosaurus is an extinct genus of ichthyosaur from the…

Iguana is a genus of lizard native to Central and South America and the Caribbean.

Iguana

Iguana is a genus of lizard native to Central and South America and the Caribbean.

A large lizard, the common iguana is common to the tropical regions of the Americas. It spends much of its time in trees.

Common iguana

A large lizard, the common iguana is common to the tropical regions of the Americas. It spends much…

An illustration of a ring tailed iguana.

Ring tailed iguana

An illustration of a ring tailed iguana.

The full-grown iguanodon is estimated to have reached lengths of thirty feet.

Iguanadon

The full-grown iguanodon is estimated to have reached lengths of thirty feet.

The imbricated turtle at sea.

Imbricated turtle

The imbricated turtle at sea.

Some Late Mesozoic reptiles. Shown are the Tyrannosaurus, Trachodon, Triceratops, Pterodactyls, and the Archaeopteryx. The six-foot man is drawn to the same scale as the other animals.

Late Mesozoic Age Reptiles

Some Late Mesozoic reptiles. Shown are the Tyrannosaurus, Trachodon, Triceratops, Pterodactyls, and…

Some reptiles of the Late Paleozoic Age. The six-foot man is drawn to the same scale as the other animals.

Reptiles of the late Paleozoic age

Some reptiles of the Late Paleozoic Age. The six-foot man is drawn to the same scale as the other animals.

Found in India, the purple leptophis is violet and green, with a golden luster.

Purple leptophis

Found in India, the purple leptophis is violet and green, with a golden luster.

Lizards are scaly reptiles, having two pairs of limbs and an elongated body, with a long, tapering tail, frequently twice as long as the rest of the body.

Lizard

Lizards are scaly reptiles, having two pairs of limbs and an elongated body, with a long, tapering tail,…

Lizards are good climbers and fast runners, and usually live in trees. Some can change their skin color to mimic their surroundings.

Lizard

Lizards are good climbers and fast runners, and usually live in trees. Some can change their skin color…

The Northern Alligator Lizard (Elgaria coerulea) is a lizard in the Anguidae family that was also known as the synonym Gerrhonotus coeruleus.

Northern Alligator Lizard

The Northern Alligator Lizard (Elgaria coerulea) is a lizard in the Anguidae family that was also known…

An illustration of an American fence lizard.

American fence lizard

An illustration of an American fence lizard.

Resembling a snake, the anguine lizard has four vestigal limbs evident.

Anguine lizard

Resembling a snake, the anguine lizard has four vestigal limbs evident.

The Eastern fence lizard (Sceloporus undulatus) is a medium sized species of lizard common along the east coast of North America.

Eastern Fence Lizard

The Eastern fence lizard (Sceloporus undulatus) is a medium sized species of lizard common along the…

The Frill-Necked Lizard (Chlamydosaurus kingii) is a lizard in the Agamidae family. "C. kingi has a crenate membrane-like ruff about its neck, which it elevates when irritated or frightened. It is said sometimes to walk on its hind legs alone, a very unusual mode of progression among existing reptiles." -Whitney, 1911

Frill-Necked Lizard

The Frill-Necked Lizard (Chlamydosaurus kingii) is a lizard in the Agamidae family. "C. kingi has a…

An illustration of a Galapagos land lizard.

Galapagos land lizard

An illustration of a Galapagos land lizard.

A lizard crouching in a patch of tall grass.

Nimble lizard

A lizard crouching in a patch of tall grass.