Blue lizards exist all around the world, from the tropical rainforests of South America to the dry deserts of Africa. While mammals are rarely found in blue hues, these striking reptiles showcase the stunning variety of ways animals can utilize color.
So what makes a lizard blue? And which species should you consider if you want to welcome one of these beauties into your home? Read on for an in-depth look into the natural history and captive care of various blue lizard species.
What Causes Blue Coloration in Reptiles?
While some birds and fish contain blue pigments in their feathers and scales, reptiles actually cannot biologically produce blue or green pigments. So how do these lizards get their vivid azure and teal shades? Two main factors are at play:
Structural Coloration
Also called Rayleigh scattering, this phenomenon occurs when light reflects and scatters off physical structures in such a way that makes the object appear blue. For example, the microscopic structure of a bluebird’s feathers, not pigments, are responsible for its brilliant cerulean plumage. Reptile scales can create a similar effect.
Iridophores
Specialized cells under a reptile’s skin, called iridophores or guanophores, contain plates that reflect light These cells produce yellow pigments, but the light-scattering effect makes the yellow take on a blue or green hue Iridophores act alone or in conjunction with structural coloration to generate blue reptiles.
17 Stunning Blue Lizard Species
From electric azure day geckos to navy blue racers, here are some of the most incredible blue lizards found around the world
Skinks
Several skink species showcase vivid blue tails as juveniles, including the five-lined skink, mountain skink, and azure-tailed skink. The bright coloration disappears as they mature.
Eastern Collared Lizard
Native to the arid southwestern United States, males flaunt striking turquoise blue bodies, tails, and legs. Females blend in with dull brown or black scales.
Green Lizard
Abundant across Europe, these lizards earn their name from the emerald green backs of males. But males also sport brilliant cobalt blue heads and necks.
Sinai Agama
A desert species found in Africa, breeding males reveal stunning sapphire heads and forelegs against brown, yellow, and gray bodies.
Blue Tree Monitor
A threatened Indonesian species, these otherworldly lizards are black with scattered vivid blue scales. They require advanced care.
Blue Panther Chameleon
While most panther chameleons rock green, orange, or red, specialized blue color morphs offer an unusually cool-toned take on this popular pet reptile.
Blue Iguana
The striking endangered Grand Cayman blue iguana sports hues ranging from turquoise to deep cobalt. Support captive breeding efforts for this imperiled species.
Blue-Tongued Skink
They’re not entirely blue, but blue-tongued skinks earn their name from their bubblegum blue tongues. These docile lizards make great pets.
Blue Racer
A speedy, nonvenomous snake native to the eastern United States, blue racers live up to their name with silvery blue-gray scales and white bellies.
Blue Coral Snake
With vivid scarlet bands separating shiny blue scales, Asian coral snakes deliver a serious neurotoxic bite and should never be handled.
Blue Poison Dart Frog
Native to the rainforests of Suriname, pet trade specimens lack the wild frog’s potent neurotoxins while retaining dazzling azure skin with inky black spots.
Common Tree Snake
Abundant in Australia, these slender, arboreal snakes can range from emerald green to striking turquoise. They’re harmless to humans.
Blue-Spotted Salamander
Terrestrial woodland salamanders of eastern North America, these tiny amphibians are night-active and feature dark blue bodies with light blue speckles.
Green Tree Python
Though normally green, specialized breeding produces blue color morphs of the green tree python. But they require expert care.
Abbott’s Day Gecko
Males of this Madagascan species showcase emerald bodies with brilliant blue undertones. Females are more brown and lack these flashy hues.
Guatemalan Spiny Lizard
Also called the emerald spiny lizard, males are green and black with vivid cobalt blue tails. Females are mostly light brown or olive.
Bluetail Day Gecko
As the name suggests, mature males sport deep blue or purple bodies and tails. Females are green and lack any blue coloration.
The vibrant colors of blue lizards serve important purposes in the wild, from attracting mates to warning predators of toxicity. While their dazzling hues are sure to brighten up any home, carefully research the natural history and habitat of any blue lizard species you consider keeping as a pet. Captive life comes with the responsibility of meeting all their wild needs. With proper care, though, your blue beauty will thrive for years to come!
These lizards usually have long, thin bodies and their tail is often a vibrant blue color, great for distracting prey.
The bright blue tail is also a signaling device. It helps the lizard signal other members of its species. On their back and sides they may be various shades of brown, gray, black, or white. The coloring helps them blend in with their environment and makes it difficult for predators to spot them. The underside of the lizard is usually a lighter color that can range from light yellow to pinkish-white.
Have you ever seen a lizard with an iridescent, blue tail?
Young Common Five-Lined Skink and Southeastern Five-lined Skink have a cobalt/indigo/cerulean blue tail that is a color rarely seen in nature! Its vibrant blue tail stands out amongst its greyish-brown body, making it a real showstopper. It may not be the biggest lizard, but its striking appearance has earned it plenty of admirers.
With their sleek and shiny scales, they look like tiny dragons come to life. But don’t let their looks fool you – these little creatures are more than meets the eye. Skinks have amazing adaptations that help them survive in their habitats, such as burrowing underground or blending into their surroundings for camouflage.
Blue-Tongued Skink, The Best Pet Lizard?
FAQ
What kind of lizards are blue?
The western skink is a small, slim, striped lizard with shiny scales, short legs and a long bright blue tail. The bright blue tail fades with age to dull blue, gray or brownish gray.
Is a blue lizard rare?
The blue anole is one of the world’s most spectacular reptiles. Found only on the island of Gorgona, the blue anole is so elusive and rare that scientists have been unable to give an estimate of its population.
Are blue-tailed lizards venomous?
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Not Venomous:Blue-tailed lizards, or five-lined skinks, are not venomous, meaning they don’t possess venom glands to inject poison.
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Harmless to Humans:They are generally harmless to humans and pose no threat of poisoning or serious harm through their bites.
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Bites are Rare and Mild:While skinks may bite if they feel threatened, their bites are typically not venomous and don’t cause serious harm beyond minor irritation.
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Folklore and Misconceptions:Some people mistakenly believe these lizards are venomous, possibly due to their bright blue tails or folklore associating them with scorpions, but this is false.
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Diet:Five-lined skinks eat roaches, spiders, and other arthropods, as well as worms and even baby mice.
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Tail Drop:Like other skinks, they can drop their tail to distract a predator and make an escape.
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Not Ideal for Handling:Blue-tailed skinks are not the best pets for regular handling, they prefer observing and exploring their surroundings rather than being held frequently.
Are blue-tailed skinks good to have around?
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Pest Control:They are natural predators of various insects and other small invertebrates, helping to control populations of pests like crickets, moths, cockroaches, and other garden pests.
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Docile and Non-Venomous:They are generally calm and docile, and their bites are not venomous, posing little to no risk to humans or pets.
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Fascinating to Observe:They are active and interesting to watch, engaging in behaviors like climbing and basking.
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Low Maintenance:They are relatively low-maintenance pets, making them suitable for busy individuals or families.
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Long Lifespan:With proper care, they can live for many years, providing companionship.
What lizards are blue-hued?
Among the notable blue-hued lizards, the stunning Blue-tailed Skink and the iconic Blue Spiny Lizard stand out as prime examples of nature’s artistic palette. Blue lizards exploring their natural habitat in a vibrant rainforest. Blue lizards, with their diverse range of species, have adapted to various habitats across the globe.
Where do blue lizards live?
Blue lizards live around the world. They are found in all types of habitats, from tropical forests to dry habitats. These lizards can be partly blue or entirely blue. They may even be occasionally blue, as is the case with many juveniles. In some species, males are the mostly multicolored lizard as females may be dull colored.
Are lizards blue?
Native to Chile, Black-green Smooth-throated Lizards (Liolaemus nigroviridis) are also partially blue. Males show blue nuances along the body and tail. Mostly black, males have contrasting bright blue spots along the head, back, and tail. Females show varying coloring with shades of brown, tan, and yellow.
What lizard has a blue tail?
Juvenile Mountain Skinks have a strikingly blue tail, which they retain even into adulthood, unlike some other skink species. The blue tail may fade with age, but it does not disappear completely.
Why are blue lizards so beautiful?
In conclusion, blue lizards captivate us with their ethereal beauty and remarkable adaptations. From their mysterious blue coloration to their unique traits, these reptiles offer a glimpse into the wonders of the natural world.
What is a blue-green smooth-throated lizard?
A small species of Chile, Blue-Green Smooth-throated Lizards (Liolaemus tenuis) grow to a size of up to 2.1 inches. Males and females have different coloring. A blue tail is specific to the male which also shows blue hind legs.