Reptiles vocabulary list with definitions

Reptiles vocabulary list with definitions

Reptiles: A vertebrate animal of a class that includes snakes, lizards, crocodiles, turtles, and tortoises. They are distinguished by having a dry scaly skin and typically laying soft-shelled eggs on land.

List of Reptiles vocabulary

Reptiles vocabulary definitions and examples

Alligator

• Definition: A large reptile with a broad snout, native to the Americas and China.
• Example: The alligator basked on the riverbank, barely moving as the sun warmed its scales.

Anole

• Definition: A small, tree-dwelling lizard known for its ability to change color and its dewlap, a throat fan.
• Example: The green anole shifted to a brown hue as it climbed the wooden fence.

Basilisk

• Definition: A mythical serpent said to cause death with a single glance, or a real lizard capable of running on water.
• Example: The basilisk lizard darted across the pond, seemingly walking on water.

Boa

• Definition: A large, non-venomous snake that kills its prey by constriction.
• Example: The boa constrictor wrapped itself around the branch, waiting for its next meal.

Chameleon

• Definition: A lizard known for its ability to change skin color and its independently mobile eyes.
• Example: The chameleon blended into the foliage, becoming almost invisible.

Cobra

• Definition: A venomous snake known for its hood, which it flares when threatened.
• Example: The cobra hissed and expanded its hood as the intruder approached.

Crocodile

• Definition: A large, carnivorous reptile with a V-shaped snout, found in tropical regions.
• Example: The crocodile lay motionless in the water, eyes just above the surface.

Gecko

• Definition: A small lizard with adhesive pads on its feet, allowing it to climb smooth surfaces.
• Example: The gecko scampered up the wall, disappearing into the shadows.

Iguana

• Definition: A large, herbivorous lizard found in Central and South America.
• Example: The iguana lounged on the branch, munching on leaves.

Komodo Dragon

• Definition: The largest living species of lizard, native to Indonesia.
• Example: The Komodo dragon moved slowly but deliberately, its forked tongue flicking in and out.

Monitor Lizard

• Definition: A large, carnivorous lizard with a long neck and powerful limbs.
• Example: The monitor lizard prowled the forest floor in search of prey.

Python

• Definition: A large, non-venomous snake that kills by constriction, found in Africa, Asia, and Australia.
• Example: The python coiled around its prey, tightening its grip with each breath.

Rattlesnake

• Definition: A venomous snake with a distinctive rattle at the end of its tail.
• Example: The rattlesnake warned of its presence with a chilling rattle.

Skink

• Definition: A small to medium-sized lizard with smooth, shiny scales.
• Example: The skink darted under a rock as the predator approached.

Tortoise

• Definition: A land-dwelling reptile with a domed shell and sturdy legs.
• Example: The tortoise slowly made its way across the field, its shell providing ample protection.

Turtle

• Definition: A reptile with a hard shell that lives in water or on land.
• Example: The turtle swam gracefully in the pond, coming up for air occasionally.

Viper

• Definition: A venomous snake with long, hinged fangs.
• Example: The viper struck quickly, its fangs delivering a potent venom.

Caterpillar

• Definition: The larval stage of a butterfly or moth, often with a segmented body and many legs.
• Example: The caterpillar inched along the leaf, munching as it went.

Conch

• Definition: A large sea snail with a spiral shell.
• Example: The conch shell was beautifully spiraled, a testament to the creature’s long life in the ocean.

Earthworm

• Definition: A burrowing worm that aerates and enriches the soil.
• Example: The earthworm wriggled through the garden soil, breaking it up as it moved.

Fangs

• Definition: Long, sharp teeth used by snakes and some other animals to inject venom or tear flesh.
• Example: The snake’s fangs were clearly visible as it prepared to strike.

Frog

• Definition: An amphibian with smooth skin, long legs, and a tendency to jump.
• Example: The frog leapt from the lily pad into the water with a splash.

Leech

• Definition: A bloodsucking or carnivorous worm found in fresh water.
• Example: The leech attached itself to the swimmer’s leg, seeking a meal.

Lizard

• Definition: A reptile with a long body and tail, four legs, and rough, scaly skin.
• Example: The lizard sunned itself on the warm rock, watching for insects.

Otter

• Definition: A playful, semi-aquatic mammal with a long body and webbed feet.
• Example: The otter floated on its back, cracking open a shellfish with a rock.

Porpoise

• Definition: A small, toothed whale with a blunt snout.
• Example: The porpoise leapt from the water, performing a graceful arc before diving back in.

Reptile

• Definition: A class of cold-blooded, egg-laying vertebrates that includes snakes, lizards, crocodiles, and turtles.
• Example: Reptiles are often seen basking in the sun to regulate their body temperature.

Scorpion

• Definition: An arachnid with pincers and a venomous stinger at the end of its tail.
• Example: The scorpion raised its tail in defense, ready to strike if threatened.

Shark

• Definition: A large fish with a streamlined body, known for its sharp teeth and predatory behavior.
• Example: The shark swam powerfully through the ocean, a top predator in its environment.

Snail

• Definition: A slow-moving mollusk with a spiral shell.
• Example: The snail left a glistening trail of slime as it moved across the garden path.

Snake

• Definition: A legless reptile with a long, slender body.
• Example: The snake slithered through the grass, silent and stealthy.

Tadpole

• Definition: The larval stage of a frog or toad, living in water and having a tail.
• Example: The pond was full of tadpoles, each one destined to become a frog.