Squamates | Squamata

Squamata is a broad collective order of scaled reptiles. Squamates fall under class reptilia and are commonly distinguished by their skins. They are characterized by horny scales or shields on their skins, body elongation which is a popular modification in squamate’s body plan, having movable quadrate bones with most being carnivores while others omnivores. These animals include snakes, lizards, and amphisbaenian. Squamates are terrestrial or arboreal, with very few being aquatic. They may also have no/reduced limbs while some have four limbs. Squamates can either live in groups or in solitary.

What characteristics make a Squamata?

The characteristics that make a Squamata unique include having a scaled skin that distinguishes them as well as having horn-like scales or shields. Other characteristics of squamates include having movable quadrate bones that make it possible for them to move their upper jaw in accordance with the neurocranium.

How are Squamata adapted to their environments?

Squamata are adapted to their environments by regulating their body temperature through their exterior environment, a process known as Ectothermy. When it is cold, they seek warmer environments and when it is hot they will seek out a cool environment. This allows them to go sometimes months without feeding.

How many families of Squamata are there?

There are 60 Squamata families that include more than 10,900 species of squamates. The squamata families include the Amphisbaenidae, Cadeidae, Dibamidae, Gekkonidae, and Sphaerodactylidae families. Other Squamata families include the Chamaeleonidae, Iguanidae, Anguidae, and Elapidae. The families are then categorized into the infraorders of Amphisbaenia, Gekkota, Iguania, Lacertoidea, Anguimorpha, Scincoidea, Alethinophidia, and Scolecophidia.

Squamates Guides
Browse through our curated Squamates Guides for additional categorizations, tips, details, variations, styles, and histories of Squamates. Guides provide additional insights into the unique properties and shared relationships between elements.
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.39”-.55” | 1-1.4 cm
.6”-.8” | 1.5-2 cm
3”-3.5” | 7.5-9 cm
1.8-3.5 oz | 50-100 g
10-25 years
Armadillo Lizard
1.400
2.000
9.000
0.100
25.00
53600
GUIDE
3D
Armadillo Lizard
3.15”-5.9” | 8-15 cm
6.5’-12’ | 1.98-3.66 m
6.6-11 lb | 3-5 kg
12-18 years
Atlantic Bushmaster
15.000
366.000
5.000
18.00
3205
GUIDE
3D
Atlantic Bushmaster
1.2”-2.75” | 3-7 cm
2’-5’ | .61-1.52 m
2.6-6.6 lb | 1.2-3 kg
30-50 years
Ball Python
7.000
152.000
3.000
50.00
227400
GUIDE
3D
Ball Python
2”-3.9” | 5-10 cm
6.5’-14’ | 1.98-4.27 m
2.2-3.5 lb | 1-1.6 kg
10-20 years
Black Mamba
10.000
427.000
1.600
20.00
437350
GUIDE
3D
Black Mamba
4.37”-6.5” | 11.1-16.5 cm
3.94”-5.91” | 10-15 cm
40”-60” | 101.6-152.4 cm
25-31 lb | 11-14 kg
25-69 years
Blue Iguana
16.500
15.000
152.400
14.000
69.00
34600
GUIDE
3D
Blue Iguana
3.5”-8.7” | 9-22 cm
8’-26’ | 2.44-7.92 m
15-165 lb | 6.8-75 kg
20-28 years
Burmese Python
22.000
792.000
75.000
28.00
72500
GUIDE
3D
Burmese Python
1.2”-2” | 3-5 cm
3’-6.5’ | .91-1.98 m
1-3.3 lb | .45-1.5 kg
10-20 years
California Kingsnake
5.000
198.000
1.500
20.00
16400
GUIDE
3D
California Kingsnake
1.6”-3.15” | 4-8 cm
6.5’-10’ | 1.98-3.05 m
26.4-33 lb | 12-15 kg
15-30 years
Carpet Python
8.000
305.000
15.000
30.00
27200
GUIDE
3D
Carpet Python
.35”-.71” | .9-1.8 cm
.4”-.83” | 1-2.1 cm
3”-5.9” | 7.5-15 cm
1.6-2.5 oz | 45-70 g
3-8 years
Common House Gecko
1.800
2.100
15.000
0.070
8.00
136000
GUIDE
3D
Common House Gecko
.71”-1.1” | 1.8-2.8 cm
.98”-1.38” | 2.5-3.5 cm
7.1”-11” | 18-28 cm
1.6-3 oz | 45-85 g
10-20 years
Common Leopard Gecko
2.800
3.500
28.000
0.085
20.00
300000
GUIDE
3D
Common Leopard Gecko
1.2”-2” | 3-5 cm
24”-40” | .61-1.02 m
.22-.77 lb | .1-.35 kg
10-30 years
Copperhead
5.000
102.000
0.350
30.00
227700
GUIDE
3D
Copperhead
.6”-1.4” | 1.5-3.5 cm
2’-6’ | .61-1.83 m
1-2 lb | .45-.9 kg
10-23 years
Corn Snake
3.500
183.000
0.900
23.00
255000
GUIDE
3D
Corn Snake
.67”-1.06” | 1.7-2.7 cm
.79”-1.34” | 2-3.4 cm
5.9”-9.8” | 15-25 cm
1.2-1.9 oz | 35-55 g
5-20 years
Crested Gecko
2.700
3.400
25.000
0.055
20.00
139300
GUIDE
3D
Crested Gecko
1.1”-1.73” | 2.8-4.4 cm
1.06”-1.65” | 2.7-4.2 cm
10”-16” | 25.4-40.6 cm
2-3 oz | 57-85 g
7-14 years
Desert Iguana
4.400
4.200
40.600
0.085
14.00
6300
GUIDE
3D
Desert Iguana
1.97”-2.4” | 5-6.1 cm
3”-3.62” | 7.6-9.2 cm
20”-24” | 50.8-61 cm
.8-1.2 lb | .38-.55 kg
6-18 years
Eastern Bearded Dragon
6.100
9.200
61.000
0.550
18.00
5100
GUIDE
3D
Eastern Bearded Dragon
1”-1.4” | 2.5-3.5 cm
3.5’-6’ | 1.07-1.83 m
1.1-4.9 lb | .5-2.2 kg
10-34 years
Eastern Black Rat Snake
3.500
183.000
2.200
34.00
1200
GUIDE
3D
Eastern Black Rat Snake
2”-3.9” | 5-10 cm
6.5’-14’ | 1.98-4.27 m
2.2-3.3 lb | 1-1.5 kg
12-19 years
Eastern Green Mamba
10.000
427.000
1.500
19.00
3950
GUIDE
3D
Eastern Green Mamba
1.8”-2.75” | 4.5-7 cm
4’-6’ | 1.22-1.83 m
.9-2 lb | .4-.9 kg
15-20 years
Emerald Tree Boa
7.000
183.000
0.900
20.00
30100
GUIDE
3D
Emerald Tree Boa
3.7”-4.9” | 9.5-12.5 cm
4’-6’ | 1.22-1.83 m
17.6-24.3 lb | 8-11 kg
13-20 years
Gaboon Viper
12.500
183.000
11.000
20.00
140400
GUIDE
3D
Gaboon Viper
3.5”-7.9” | 9-20 cm
10’-30’ | 3.05-9.14 m
100-550 lb | 45-250 kg
10-32 years
Green Anaconda
20.000
914.000
250.000
32.00
77400
GUIDE
3D
Green Anaconda
.35”-.83” | .9-2.1 cm
.31”-.71” | .8-1.8 cm
4”-9” | 10.2-22.9 cm
.07-.21 oz | 2-6 g
3-8 years
Green Anole
2.100
1.800
22.900
0.006
8.00
65000
GUIDE
3D
Green Anole
2.2”-4.45” | 5.6-11.3 cm
2.24”-4.49” | 5.7-11.4 cm
18”-36” | 46-91 cm
7-17.6 oz | .2-.5 kg
5-10 years
Green Basilisk
11.300
11.400
91.000
0.500
10.00
4900
GUIDE
3D
Green Basilisk
1.46”-2.05” | 3.7-5.2 cm
1.18”-1.69” | 3-4.3 cm
12”-17” | 30.5-43.2 cm
2.6-8.8 lb | 1.2-4 kg
12-25 years
Green Iguana
5.200
4.300
43.200
4.000
25.00
42000
GUIDE
3D
Green Iguana
1.6”-2.4” | 4-6 cm
5’-6.5’ | 1.52-1.98 m
2.4-3.5 lb | 1.1-1.6 kg
12-20 years
Green Tree Python
6.000
198.000
1.600
20.00
58000
GUIDE
3D
Green Tree Python
1”-1.4” | 2.5-3.5 cm
3.5’-5’ | 1.07-1.52 m
4.4-6.6 lb | 2-3 kg
24-32 years
Indian Cobra
3.500
152.000
3.000
32.00
38100
GUIDE
3D
Indian Cobra
3”-3.9” | 7.5-10 cm
6’-9’ | 1.83-2.74 m
2.2-4.4 lb | 1-2 kg
10-20 years
Inland Taipan
10.000
274.000
2.000
20.00
79900
GUIDE
3D
Inland Taipan
3.15”-5.5” | 8-14 cm
10’-18’ | 3.05-5.49 m
11-15 lb | 5-6.8 kg
15-23 years
King Cobra
14.000
549.000
6.800
23.00
353900
GUIDE
3D
King Cobra
14.17”-17.72” | 36-45 cm
13.78”-17.32” | 35-44 cm
8’-10’ | 2.43-3.05 m
150-300 lb | 68-136 kg
10-30 years
Komodo Dragon
45.000
44.000
305.000
136.000
30.00
452200
GUIDE
3D
Komodo Dragon
.63”-1.26” | 1.6-3.2 cm
.67”-1.3” | 1.7-3.3 cm
6”-12” | 15.2-30.5 cm
.7-3 oz | 20-85 g
10-20 years
Mexican Alligator Lizard
3.200
3.300
30.500
0.085
20.00
11600
GUIDE
3D
Mexican Alligator Lizard
2.44”-3.78” | 6.2-9.6 cm
1.89”-3” | 4.8-7.6 cm
13”-20” | 33-50.8 cm
2.1-6.3 oz | 60-180 g
3-7 years
Panther Chameleon
9.600
7.600
50.800
0.180
7.00
53200
GUIDE
3D
Panther Chameleon
2.4”-5.9” | 6-15 cm
5’-21’ | 1.52-6.4 m
165-385 lb | 75-175 kg
15-30 years
Reticulated Python
15.000
640.000
175.000
30.00
75800
GUIDE
3D
Reticulated Python
2.95”-8.46” | 7.5-21.5 cm
1.89”-5.31” | 4.8-13.5 cm
20”-54” | 50.8-137 cm
10-20 lb | 4.5-9 kg
10-20 years
Rhino Iguana
21.500
13.500
137.000
9.000
20.00
7800
GUIDE
3D
Rhino Iguana
.4”-.8” | 1-2 cm
16”-38” | 41-97 cm
2.2-3.3 lb | 1-1.5 kg
9-11 years
Ribbon Snake
2.000
97.000
1.500
11.00
21005
GUIDE
3D
Ribbon Snake
.6”-1.2” | 1.5-3 cm
17”-36” | 43-91 cm
.8-1 lb | .36-.45 kg
18-31 years
Rosy Boa
3.000
91.000
0.450
31.00
25030
GUIDE
3D
Rosy Boa
.4”-.6” | 1-1.5 cm
22”-32” | 56-81 cm
.03-.07 lb | 15-30 g
5-15 years
Rough Green Snake
1.500
81.000
0.030
15.00
13300
GUIDE
3D
Rough Green Snake
6.73”-8.3” | 17.1-21.1 cm
6.14”-7.48” | 15.6-19 cm
4’-5’ | 122-152 cm
11-13.2 lb | 5-6 kg
8-20 years
Savannah Monitor
21.100
19.000
152.400
6.000
20.00
35300
GUIDE
3D
Savannah Monitor
.4”-1” | 1-2.5 cm
2’-4’ | .61-1.22 m
2-5 lb | .9-2.3 kg
7-15 years
Texas Coral Snake
2.500
122.000
2.300
15.00
7700
GUIDE
3D
Texas Coral Snake
1.26”-1.69” | 3.2-4.3 cm
1.61”-2.4” | 4.1-6.1 cm
6”-8.5” | 15.2-21.6 cm
1.8-3.4 oz | 50-95 g
12-20 years
Thorny Dragon
4.300
6.100
21.600
0.095
20.00
7700
GUIDE
3D
Thorny Dragon
.59”-1.38” | 1.5-3.5 cm
.83”-1.65” | 2.1-4.2 cm
8”-16” | 20.3-40.6 cm
4.9-14.1 oz | 140-400 g
7-15 years
Tokay Gecko
3.500
4.200
40.600
0.400
15.00
50100
GUIDE
3D
Tokay Gecko
2.4”-4.33” | 6.1-11 cm
2.36”-3.94” | 6-10 cm
14”-24” | 35.6-61 cm
3-6 oz | 85-170 g
3-8 years
Veiled Chameleon
11.000
10.000
61.000
0.170
8.00
39600
GUIDE
3D
Veiled Chameleon
.8”-1.4” | 2-3.5 cm
2’-4’ | .61-1.22 m
.55-1.3 lb | .25-.6 kg
20-25 years
Water Moccasin
3.500
122.000
0.600
25.00
191000
GUIDE
3D
Water Moccasin
1.4”-2.75” | 3.5-7 cm
3’-7’ | .91-2.13 m
2.6-14.8 lb | 1.2-6.7 kg
15-26 years
Western Diamondback Rattlesnake
7.000
213.000
6.700
26.00
20800
GUIDE
3D
Western Diamondback Rattlesnake
Ball Python (Python regius)
Scale illustration of an average Ball Python compared to other snake species

Ball pythons (Python regius) are the smallest African python, and would gradually curl into a ball when frightened or stressed, hence the name ball python. They are members of the family Pythonidae and common to West and Central Africa showing a stocky built, small head, slender neck, smooth scales, lighter underside but dark with light brown blotches on the back and side. This terrestrial snake prefers grassland and shrublands, cares for eggs but not young ones, and is hunted for its meat or as a pet. The ball python has also featured in the Igbo's culture of the people of Nigeria who see it as a symbol of the earth and other folklore in Ghana.

The Ball Python has an overall length between 2’-5’ (.61-1.52 m), body width of roughly 1.2”-2.75” (3-7 cm), and weight from 2.6-6.6 lb (1.2-3 kg). The typical lifespan of the Ball Python is between 30-50 years.

Series of top view illustrations of the Ball Python
Ball pythons (Python regius) are the smallest African python, and would gradually curl into a ball when frightened or stressed, hence the name ball python. They are members of the family Pythonidae and common to West and Central Africa showing a stocky built, small head and slender neck.

The Ball Python has an overall length between 2’-5’ (.61-1.52 m), body width of roughly 1.2”-2.75” (3-7 cm), and weight from 2.6-6.6 lb (1.2-3 kg). The typical lifespan of the Ball Python is between 30-50 years.

Series of top view illustrations of the Ball Python
Ball Python (Python regius)
Height:
Width:
1.2”-2.75” | 3-7 cm
Length:
2’-5’ | .61-1.52 m
Depth:
Weight:
2.6-6.6 lb | 1.2-3 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Python regius
Lifespan
30-50 years

Drawings include:

Ball Python top view (assorted)

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Burmese Python (Python bivittatus)
Dimensioned comparison drawing of the Burmese Python compared to other snakes

Because of their easy-going nature, the Burmese python (Python bivittatus) is largely hunted for pet trade, flesh, and skin. They belong to the family Pythonidae, native to Southeast Asia, and prefer marshy areas or semi-aquatic regions and trees. Their large, heavy body is covered in dark-colored and brown blotches. Females are slightly larger and bulkier than males. Juveniles love to spend time on trees. The Burmese python is a good swimmer, has a rapid growth rate, razor-sharp teeth, poor eyesight, and exhibits a high degree of parental care by incubating its eggs. Because they have poor eyesight, they use chemical receptors and heat sensors to stalk prey.

The Burmese Python has an overall length between 8’-26’ (2.44-7.92 m), body width of roughly 3.5”-8.7” (9-22 cm), and weight from 15-165 lb (6.8-75 kg). The typical lifespan of the Burmese Python is between 20-28 years.

Set of scaled top view drawings of the Burmese Python
Because of their easy-going nature, the Burmese python (Python bivittatus) is largely hunted for pet trade, flesh, and skin. They belong to the family Pythonidae, native to Southeast Asia, and prefer marshy areas or semi-aquatic regions and trees.

The Burmese Python has an overall length between 8’-26’ (2.44-7.92 m), body width of roughly 3.5”-8.7” (9-22 cm), and weight from 15-165 lb (6.8-75 kg). The typical lifespan of the Burmese Python is between 20-28 years.

Set of scaled top view drawings of the Burmese Python
Burmese Python (Python bivittatus)
Height:
Width:
3.5”-8.7” | 9-22 cm
Length:
8’-26’ | 2.44-7.92 m
Depth:
Weight:
15-165 lb | 6.8-75 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Python bivittatus
Lifespan
20-28 years

Drawings include:

Burmese Python top view (assorted)

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Western Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox)
Comparison illustration of the size of a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake to other snakes

The Western diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox) is also called corn tail, desert diamond-back, diamond-backed rattlesnake, spitting snake, and buzz tail. The snake favors hillsides, steep rocky canyons, desert scrub, grassland desert, and sandy areas. They belong to the family Viperidae and native to the southwest part of North America up to Mexico. These highly aggressive pit vipers’ defense mechanisms include forming an S-shape by lifting the fore body or coiling, rattling, and attacking if those measures do not work. The head is triangular, tail shorter, and a plump body covered either in pink, pale blue, yellowish-gray with a dark diamond shape and pale border down its length. Females give birth to live offspring.

The Western Diamondback Rattlesnake has an overall length between 3’-7’ (.91-2.13 m), body width of roughly 1.4”-2.75” (3.5-7 cm), and weight from 2.6-14.8 lb (1.2-6.7 kg). The typical lifespan of the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake is between 15-26 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Western Diamondback Rattlesnake in various poses
The Western diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox) is also called corn tail, desert diamond-back, diamond-backed rattlesnake, spitting snake, and buzz tail. The snake favors hillsides, steep rocky canyons, desert scrub, grassland desert, and sandy areas. They belong to the family Viperidae.

The Western Diamondback Rattlesnake has an overall length between 3’-7’ (.91-2.13 m), body width of roughly 1.4”-2.75” (3.5-7 cm), and weight from 2.6-14.8 lb (1.2-6.7 kg). The typical lifespan of the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake is between 15-26 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Western Diamondback Rattlesnake in various poses
Western Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox)
Height:
Width:
1.4”-2.75” | 3.5-7 cm
Length:
3’-7’ | .91-2.13 m
Depth:
Weight:
2.6-14.8 lb | 1.2-6.7 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Crotalus atrox
Lifespan
15-26 years

Drawings include:

Western Diamondback Rattlesnake top view (assorted)

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Carpet Python (Morelia spilota)
Comparison illustration of the size of a Carpet Python to other snakes

Commonly found in Oceanian Islands like Australia, Solomon's Island, and Papua New Guinea, the Carpet python (Morelia spilota) shows maternal care by not only incubating eggs but also protecting them. Carpet pythons belong to the family Pythonidae, and are also called diamond pythons, with females being larger and heavier than males. A triangular head with a body either in black, olive, white with gold markings makes it suitable in habitats such as rainforest, grassland, and woodlands, though it may also prefer semi-arboreal conditions. The snake is popular among ophidiophilia, and its name comes from its oriental carpet pattern on its skin.

The Carpet Python has an overall length between 6.5’-10’ (1.98-3.05 m), body width of roughly 1.6”-3.15” (4-8 cm), and weight from 26.4-33 lb (12-15 kg). The typical lifespan of the Carpet Python is between 15-30 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Carpet Python in various poses
Commonly found in Oceanian Islands like Australia, Solomon's Island, and Papua New Guinea, the Carpet python (Morelia spilota) shows maternal care by not only incubating eggs but also protecting them. Carpet pythons belong to the family Pythonidae and are also called diamond pythons,.

The Carpet Python has an overall length between 6.5’-10’ (1.98-3.05 m), body width of roughly 1.6”-3.15” (4-8 cm), and weight from 26.4-33 lb (12-15 kg). The typical lifespan of the Carpet Python is between 15-30 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Carpet Python in various poses
Carpet Python (Morelia spilota)
Height:
Width:
1.6”-3.15” | 4-8 cm
Length:
6.5’-10’ | 1.98-3.05 m
Depth:
Weight:
26.4-33 lb | 12-15 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Morelia spilota
Lifespan
15-30 years

Drawings include:

Carpet Python top view (assorted)

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Green Iguana (Iguana iguana)
Scale illustration of an average Green Iguana compared to other lizard species

The green iguana (Iguana iguana) or just iguana, is known as one of the largest lizards in the Americas as well as one of the most popular pet choices despite its noted difficulty to handle. Within this broad range extending from southern Mexico to Bolivia, the green iguana prefers to live near water either burrowed in the ground or up in the trees. When threatened, the green iguana will head for the water, fleeing with the use of its tail. If it is unable to escape, it will bob its head and inflate the flap of skin under its neck.

The Green Iguana has an overall length between 12”-17” (30.5-43.2 cm), body width of 1.18”-1.69” (3-4.3 cm), body height of 1.46”-2.05” (3.7-5.2 cm), and weight between 2.6-8.8 lb (1.2-4 kg). The typical lifespan of the Green Iguana is between 12-25 years.

Series of measured illustrations of the Green Iguana
The green iguana (Iguana iguana) or just iguana, is known as one of the largest lizards in the Americas as well as one of the most popular pet choices despite its noted difficulty to handle. Within this broad range extending from southern Mexico to Bolivia, this iguana prefers to live near water.

The Green Iguana has an overall length between 12”-17” (30.5-43.2 cm), body width of 1.18”-1.69” (3-4.3 cm), body height of 1.46”-2.05” (3.7-5.2 cm), and weight between 2.6-8.8 lb (1.2-4 kg). The typical lifespan of the Green Iguana is between 12-25 years.

Series of measured illustrations of the Green Iguana
Green Iguana (Iguana iguana)
Height:
1.46”-2.05” | 3.7-5.2 cm
Width:
1.18”-1.69” | 3-4.3 cm
Length:
12”-17” | 30.5-43.2 cm
Depth:
Weight:
2.6-8.8 lb | 1.2-4 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Iguana iguana
Lifespan
12-25 years

Drawings include:

Green Iguana top view, side

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