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32 Types Of Reptiles You Can Keep As A Pet
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If you're thinking about welcoming a new scaly-skinned addition to your home, allow us to introduce you to the best types of reptiles you can keep as a pet.
These air-breathing vertebrates include a wide range of species. From the much-loved lizards and snakes to the hard-shelled turtles and tortoises who can live for decades (and some, centuries).
Unlike cats or dogs, reptiles don't carry dander. This means they're typically hypoallergenic, making them ideal for allergy sufferers. Most reptiles are also cold-blooded, so they're unable to regulate their own body temperature. Instead, they rely on external heat sources like the sun or the best reptile heating pads to do so. So when you're introducing a new scaly member into your family, artificial heat sources will be absolutely crucial to the health, and well-being of your reptile.
Reptiles will also need the perfect-sized terrarium and toys for enrichment, along with the right handling and the correct substrate.
To find out the best types of reptiles you can keep as a pet, stick right here. We've compiled a list of reptiles you'll want to welcome into your four walls.
32 types of reptiles you can keep as a pet 1. Leopard geckoLeopard gecko
Not many reptiles can break off their tail if a predator grabs them. But the adaptable Leopard Gecko is one of them.
These clever leopard-printed lizards are nocturnal and can further evade capture by shedding their skin to remove markers predators can use to track them. Generally considered easy to care for, leopard geckos are recommended as a good pet for beginners.
2. Red-footed tortoiseRed-footed tortoise
Tortoise facts aren't hard to come by. These slow-moving reptiles can't swim (you're probably thinking of turtles or terrapins who are water dwellers), but they can dig burrows and holes in the earth to help regulate their body temperature.
Plus, these gracious characters are one of the oldest reptiles in the world, having been around for more than 230 million years.
3. Blue-tongued skinksBlue-tongued skinks
Generally considered as easy to care for, feed Blue-tongued Skinks a diet high in protein, vegetables and fruit and make sure they've got a large enough habitat so they can thrive, and these reptiles will feel right at home.
This type of lizard loves to spend its days foraging for insects, plants and small animals. With a lifespan of 20 years or more, you'll have a friend for decades.
4. Bearded DragonsBearded Dragons
When provided with the right Bearded Dragon care, these reptiles can live a long and happy life, right by your side.
But just like any pet, beardies can get bored. So it's a good idea to provide them with a range of enrichment ideas for Bearded Dragons to help keep their mind (and body) busy.
5. Corn snakesCorn snakes
Known for being one of the best exotic pets anyone can own and the preferred species of snake when it comes to the best first pets for children — the non-venomous Corn Snake is small, lightweight, and presents minimal risk to humans.
They're also relatively low maintenance, needing feeding just once or twice a week depending on age.
6. Ball PythonBall Python
No matter whether you're an experienced reptile owner or just getting started, Ball Pythons (which get their name because they curl themselves into a ball when they feel threatened) are low maintenance, small in size, and easy to handle. Growing anywhere between 3-5 feet long, these slithering beauties can live for up to 40 years.
7. Crested GeckoCrested Gecko
If you're a novice lizard owner or are tight on space, Crested Geckos are well worth a look.
They're a good choice for beginners thanks to their small size, docile and friendly nature, and laid-back diet of crickets, worms, and fruit. Introduce your gecko to a selection of the best toys for pet lizards and they'll be happy.
8. Chinese Water DragonChinese Water Dragon
Gorgeously green, Chinese Water Dragons can make for a beautiful reptile pet. These happy-go-lucky four-legged friends are up there with being one of the friendliest lizards out there.
They enjoy being handled and handling them daily helps to keep them socialized. Living for anywhere between 15 to 20 years, these loveable lizards can be housed in pairs.
9. ChameleonChameleon
Known and loved for their ability to change color, which helps them communicate with other Chameleons and regulate their own body temperature, these technicolored lizards have been around for more than 65 million years.
Chameleons will spend their days basking, exploring their enclosure, or looking for food, using their tongues and sticky saliva to catch prey.
10. TurtlesTurtle swimming under water
With some species living for up to 200 years, the best turtle aquariums can help you create the perfect conditions for your loveable reptile — and for decades to come!
When it comes to pet turtle care, these cold-blooded swimmers need sufficient room and an environment set for their needs. From enough light and warmth to clean water and enrichment, all this should help to keep these hard-shelled creatures happy and healthy.
11. IguanasIguana
It's worth noting: Iguanas can be expensive. But that's not to say that they aren't worth it! These reptile pals are known as the world's fastest lizards so they need a big enough terrarium to live, eat and sleep in.
They'll also need the right humidity levels and temperature to thrive and just know, they can take years to train. But that said, once you've taken care of the basics, Iguanas can bond with their pet parents for life, living for more than 20 years when properly cared for.
12. KingsnakesKingsnake
Coming in a variety of colors, Kingsnakes are bound to help brighten up your reptile collection.
Originating from Northern America and parts of Central America, they are given their name due to their habit of feeding upon other snakes. Therefore, you should only keep one Kingsnake in each enclosure.
13. African Fat-tailed GeckoAfrican fat-tailed gecko
The African Fat-tailed Gecko is completely carnivorous. Whether it's wax worms, mealworms or crickets, in the wild they'll seek out beetles and roaches.
These geckos are known for being docile and easy to care for. Thriving in a low-humidity environment, they'll need around 10-12 hours of light per day.
14. Argentine Black and White TeguArgentine Black and White Tegu
Having a lifespan of between 15 to 20 years, an Argentine Black and White Tegu differs from most other reptiles on this list because it's one of the first known warm-blooded lizards. This comes after a 2016 study by Science found that it can raise its body temperature by 10 degrees. Pretty cool, huh?
15. Tokay GeckoTokay Gecko
One of the largest living gecko species, these bright and beautiful reptiles are known for their vibrant grey coloring with orange and blue spots.
However, they do have a reputation for having some aggression and being territorial. So they aren't recommended for beginners. That said, once you've nailed their environment and gained their trust, Tokay Geckos are relatively straightforward to care for.
16. Royal PythonRoyal Python
Known as one of the best exotic pets anyone can own, Royal Pythons live for anywhere between 20-30 years.
They aren't the most active of snakes, but they are around 3-6 ft in length, so will need an enclosure big enough for them to slither. Being a naturally solitary species, Royal Pythons can be great starter snakes due to their mild temperament.
17. Spiny-tailed LizardSpiny-tailed Lizard
These lizards like it hot, thriving in temperatures over 115 degrees Fahrenheit. Highly active, as their nickname suggests, this type of Uromastyx, comes with spiny tails. Lovers of burrowing, in the wild can live in tunnels of up to 10 feet long.
Therefore, in captivity, they'll need at least 4 to 5" of soft, sandy substrate to burrow to their heart's content.
18. AnolesAnoles
If you're after a small pet for compact homes, look no further than an Anoles. Pronounced 'ah-no-lees', these brightly colored lizards have large throat fans, or a dewlap, which allow them to communicate.
Like their fellow Chameleon counterparts, they can change hues from their naturally bright green coloring to green, brown, tan, or gray.
19. Savannah MonitorSavannah monitor
These intelligent reptiles are considered to be medium-sized monitors, native to rocky deserts and open woodlands in west and central Africa.
Despite being legal to keep as a pet, a Savannah Monitor might not be the best option for every scaly-friend lover. We say this because they need large space requirements so they can do all the things they adore, like basking, burrowing, and climbing.
20. Frilled DragonFrilled dragon
Calm, docile, and unique to look at, there's a lot to love about a Frilled Dragon. These medium-to-large reptiles come with a frill around their neck that they can puff up to scare predators away. It's why they're nicknamed 'frillnecks'.
Another fun fact? These captivating exotic creatures can also run up to 30 miles per hour! So if you intend on inviting one into your home, make sure you've got a big enough enclosure to keep them happy and healthy.
21. Russian TortoisesRussian Tortoise
Fancy a Russian Tortoise as a pet? These highly inactive reptiles prefer to spend their days not doing very much. In fact, they have a short activity period, sometimes just three months per year.
Russian Tortoises need daily exposure to UVB lighting, a substrate that allows for digging, and a good quality diet, with fibrous vegetables, dark leafy greens, and grasses in abundance.
22. Panther ChameleonsPanther Chameleon
Just look at this rainbow-colored creature! One of the most recognizable reptiles, a Panther Chameleon is a beautiful and fascinating scaly pal to keep.
These reptiles require a clean environment and specialized equipment to flourish — this includes the right lighting and temperature. Solitary and very territorial, these diurnal reptiles spend most of their time in isolation.
23. Ornate UromastyxOrnate Uromastyx
It's official: the Ornate Uromastyx is one of the most common Uromastyx species kept as a pet in the US.
Differing from spiny-tailed lizards in a few different ways, a Male Ornate Uromastyx is usually bright green, blue or red, while females are more muted in their coloring with a lighter shade of dark brown, yellow or red spots.
24. Brazilian Rainbow BoaBrazilian Rainbow Boa
Living for up to 30 years with the proper care, these intricately patterned snakes have an iridescent sheen to them, which means their skins have a rainbow-like effect in the sun.
Non-venomous, these reptiles can grow up to 6 feet in length, so an appropriately sized habitat is essential.
25. Hermann's TortoiseHermann's Tortoise
Like most other cold-blooded reptiles, Hermann's Tortoises rely on heat from their surroundings to regulate their body temperature.
Another thing to note? These tortoises prefer to keep their four feet safely on the ground. How else would they sunbathe, forage, or spend a small portion of their days digging?
26. Red-eared sliderRed-eared Slider
In the wild, you'll often spot Red-eared Sliders basking in the sun in groups. These semi-aquatic turtles start as carnivores and become omnivorous, as they age.
So an adult reptile will eat a range of foods, from aquatic plants and insects to fish and snails.
27. Phelsuma grandisPhelsuma grandis
Another green sensation, the Phelsuma grandis, otherwise known as the Giant Day Gecko, is an active and colorful species hailing from the tropical regions of Madagascar.
Often kept as pets in the US, they prosper in environments that have plenty of vertical space and they need UVB lighting along with misting to keep their home a humid one.
28. Veiled ChameleonVeiled Chameleon
Whether you refer to these as cone-headed chameleons or as their more formal scientific name of Chamaeleo calyptratus, these solitary tree dwellers can change color within seconds to help communicate with other peers.
What really makes them stand out though, aside from their intricate coloring, is the casque on the top of their head. In dry habitats, this helps them channel water to their mouths.
29. Rosy BoaRosy Boa
One of the smallest members of the boa family, this snake can make for a great reptile pet to add to your collection.
Generally tolerating handling well and low maintenance, these cold-blooded animals won't be able to regulate their own body temperature so will need their enclosure to do so for them.
30. Red-eyed crocodile skinkRed-eyed crocodile skink
If you're after a one-of-a-kind pet who scores top marks for elusiveness, look no further than a Crocodile Skink. These fast runners like to hide, burrow, and be left to their own devices and they will freeze or 'play dead' if they're startled.
31. Greek TortoiseGreek Tortoise
So we've heard about a Hermann's Tortoise and a Russian Tortoise. But a Greek Tortoise now joins our list of the types of reptiles you can keep as a pet.
These outgoing, active, and friendly sun-loving pets measure around 5-8 inches in size, but some can reach up to 12 inches. If properly cared for, Greek Tortoises can celebrate 50 birthdays or more.
32. Gargoyle geckoGargoyle Gecko
These loveable reptiles get their name because of the bumps on their head that look like horns. But despite their rather fearsome title, they are very docile pets.
Gargoyle Geckos love to climb. In fact, they'll spend most of their nights doing just that. Along with being active during night times, they're also pretty vocal — especially if there are other gargs around.
Interested in reading or hearing some more information about reptiles? Check out the best podcasts for pet lovers or a vet's guide to pet turtle care.
10 Fascinating Facts About Chameleons
Chameleons are among the most intriguing reptiles on the planet, captivating us with their extraordinary abilities and unique characteristics. Known for their vibrant colour-changing skills, these lizards are far more complex than they first appear. From their independently moving eyes to their astonishingly long tongues, chameleons possess a range of features that make them true marvels of nature.Whether you're a reptile enthusiast or simply curious about these fascinating creatures, learning more about chameleons will only deepen your appreciation for their remarkable adaptations and behaviours. Here are ten fun facts that showcase the wonders of chameleons.Masters of camouflageChameleons are renowned for their ability to change colour, but did you know that this ability is not just for camouflage? While blending into their environment is one reason, they also change colours to regulate their body temperature, communicate with other chameleons, and express emotions. The colour shifts are controlled by special cells called chromatophores, which contain different pigments.360-degree vision Chameleons have one of the most advanced visual systems in the animal world. Their eyes can move independently of each other, allowing them to look in two different directions simultaneously. This gives them a full 360-degree view of their surroundings, which is incredibly useful for spotting both prey and predators.Incredible tongue lengthA chameleon's tongue is a remarkable tool. It can be twice the length of its body and is capable of shooting out at incredible speeds to catch prey. The tip of the tongue is sticky, ensuring that once a chameleon locks onto its target, there's little chance of escape for the unfortunate insect.Colourful communicationChameleons use their colour-changing ability to communicate with each other. For instance, a chameleon might turn a darker shade to show submission or a brighter colour to attract a mate. Their colour can also reflect their mood, such as showing stress or aggression.Born huntersChameleons are born with all the hunting skills they need. Baby chameleons, known as hatchlings, can start hunting for insects almost immediately after they are born. Despite their small size, they have fully developed tongues and eyes, making them efficient hunters from day one.Unique feetChameleons have zygodactyl feet, meaning their toes are grouped in a way that resembles mittens. Two toes point forward and two point backward on each foot, providing a strong grip on branches. This adaptation helps them navigate the trees and bushes they call home with ease.Prehensile tailsMost chameleons have prehensile tails, which they use as an extra limb. These tails can curl around branches to provide stability and balance, especially when the chameleon is moving through dense foliage. The tail is also useful when the chameleon needs to hang onto a branch while reaching out to catch prey.Slow moversChameleons are not known for their speed. They move slowly and deliberately, often swaying as they walk to mimic the movement of leaves in the wind. This slow movement helps them avoid detection by predators and makes them more effective hunters.Wide range of sizesChameleons come in various sizes, from the tiny Brookesia chameleon, which can be less than an inch long, to the impressive Parson's chameleon, which can grow up to 27 inches in length. Despite their differences in size, all chameleons share the same fascinating traits.Solitary creaturesChameleons are solitary animals, preferring to live alone rather than in groups. They are highly territorial and will often display aggressive behaviour towards other chameleons if their space is invaded. The only time chameleons come together is during mating season, after which they go back to their solitary ways.Also read:Animals that transform to white for survival during winterI Hunted Glamorous Chameleon Killer Who Chopped Up Pal And Scattered Her In Alligator-infested Canal… But I Was Too Late
WHEN Beverly McGowan took in a high-flying tech employee with a British accent, she thought she'd found the perfect roommate.
But the 34-year-old American bank clerk's dismembered body was to end up in a Florida canal infested with alligators, with only a yellow rose tattoo on her right ankle offering up a clue to her identity in 1990.
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Elaine Parent was a master of disguise said to have 'a thousand names'Credit: TrueCrime
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She disposed of Beverley McGowan's body in an alligator-infested lakeCredit: TrueCrime
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American bank clerk Beverly chose Parent as her roommateCredit: SuppliedFor over 12 years the authorities hunted for the prime suspect in her murder, a serial con artist called Elaine Parent.
Glamorous Elaine neither worked for a computer firm, nor was she British.
This was one of countless identities taken on by the "woman with a thousand names" who was dubbed the Chameleon Killer.
After a series of close escapes from the law, with detectives on her tail on four continents, the police finally tracked her down in 2002.
Rather than go to prison, the fugitive once dubbed the "world's most wanted woman" shot herself through the heart as cops waited outside her bedroom door.
But her death has not led to the case being closed.
British journalist Tim Tate, who has followed the story from the start, believes she did not act alone and that there could be other victims.
And a new three-part documentary series titled The Hunt For The Chameleon Killer on the TRUE CRIME channel might help to shed fresh light on the mystery.
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Schofield blasts '3 s**ts in showbiz' and talks of 'betrayal' by 'fake people'In February Tim, who lives near Bath, received tens of thousands of police files about Parent's case under Freedom of Information rules, which include references to a former partner referred to as 'Miss X'.
He tells The Sun: "It remains a live case even though Elaine Parent is dead. Detectives think that other people were involved with her cons.
Inside shocking truth behind The Chameleon Killer"The files spell out who Elaine Parent's partners in crime were both in the States and the UK, particularly Miss X."
Parent's crimes stretch back well before she crossed paths with Beverly.
Once a genuine estate agent, the New Yorker found that identity fraud was a far more lucrative line of work in Florida in the 1980s.
There she started a relationship with Miss X, who admitted to the police that she knew of Parent's cons.
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Police investigating the scene in Florida where Beverly's body was discoveredCredit: TrueCrime
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Multiple fake IDs belonging to Parent were discoveredCredit: TrueCrime
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British journalist Tim Tate fears there could be more victimsCredit: TrueCrimeTim says: "The UK was her bolthole, she fled here in 1985 at the time when she was just feeling the heat for a large-scale jewel robbery, she fled here with her lover Miss X."
In Britain, Parent stole at least a dozen identities and relieved countless unsuspecting people of their money.
One of her ways of getting important information out of victims was to offer to predict their future using numerology.
She would tell their fortunes using their date of birth, driver's licence, bank account details or other key personal numbers.
After a row with Miss X, Parent flew back to Florida where she pulled off the numerology trick on Beverly in 1990 using the name Alice.
She was a woman who stole identities vampirically
Tim TateWith those details, she was able to steal Beverly's identity, take money from her bank account, book a British Airways flight to London and hire a car.
The British police put out surveillance on the rented car but when they found it abandoned in Barnes in south west London there were no fingerprints.
'Couldn't handle rejection'Parent was a step above your regular con artist.
She had also cut off Beverly's hands, feet and head before dumping her in the canal in St Lucie County.
Why she made the mistake of leaving the tattoo is unclear. So too, is her motive for murder.
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Parent was a cunning con artist, who fleeced countless in FloridaCredit: TrueCrime
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Beverly McGowan's body was only identifiable by a distinctive tattoo on her ankleCredit: AMC NETWORKSThe suspicion is that Beverly got wise to her con and told Parent to leave.
Tim says it was "rage essentially, she couldn't handle rejection."
Parent renewed her relationship with Miss X in Britain for three months, but her former lover grew increasingly scared of the woman she was sharing her life with.
The killer had told her one night: "You'll never believe how much blood there is in one person."
Back in Florida, the con woman resumed her old trick of taking identities and weedling her way into the lives of kindly people.
Her crime spree is also believed to have taken place in France, Australia and South Africa.
Tim comments: "She was a woman who stole identities vampirically."
'Shot husband'In 1998 the case of the Chameleon Killer was featured on ITV's The World's Most Wanted.
The British public were warned that Parent stalked single women and could be looking for her next victim.
One hitman called Ronald Farebrother told the newspapers at this time that he'd married her under the name Sylvia Barnes at Watford registry office in 1988, but the relationship ended when she shot him through the leg.
Tim was just about to put the finishing touches to his own documentary for Channel 5 in 2002 when he received a call from the police in the US telling him that Parent was dead.
She had taken her own life, using a point 357 magnum gun in Panama City, Florida.
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An e-fit of a lady named Alice - one of the countless aliases Parent used
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The crook was once branded the 'world's most wanted'Credit: TrueCrimeEx-Panama City police officer Michael McLeod, who had been sent to speak to a suspicious character with potentially criminal motives, didn't know she was an international fugitive wanted for murder.
Fatally, the cops waited outside her door while she got her things together.
Michael tells the documentary: "They didn't tell us she was known as 'The Chameleon.'"
"If the police had known how dangerous she was, they wouldn't have allowed her to get changed alone."
They realised their mistake when they heard shots fired.
Michael recalls: "I went in first. I remember seeing gun smoke in the room."
You'll never believe how much blood there is in one person
Elaine ParentTim has continued to follow the case since Parent's death.
He thinks the British police and other forces should have taken equal interest.
Tim explains: "The cops in St Lucie County remain deeply concerned that she killed more than one, but they can't prove that.
"The reason is that this is an investigation spanning many continents which is being run out of a tiny sheriff's office in a tiny city on the northern coast of Florida.
"They don't have the resources at hand to track down every lead."
He thinks a number of people helped Parent, some "wittingly" and others "unwittingly."
One of them could have been involved in Beverly's murder.
Tim adds: "One of her main accomplices shot himself a short time before Parent shot herself.
"The Sheriff's office told me they are closer than ever before to arresting her accomplice in the murder of Beverly McGowan."
The Hunt for The Chameleon Killer premieres on TRUE CRIME at 10pm on 3 September.
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Parent took her own life rather than going to prisonCredit: TrueCrime
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