Superman lizards, venomous vipers, and African egg-eating snakes are three of the 11 reptile species with distinct characteristics from their relatives. And if you want to understand more about the Strangest Reptiles in the World, join KnowAllAnimals to explore the details in the following article!
1. Top 11 Strangest Reptiles in the World You Won’t Believe Exist
Reptiles are known for their mysterious appearance and peculiar habits. However, in the natural world, there are reptile species with shapes and characteristics that amaze humans. From unusual colors and unique survival abilities to bizarre hunting behaviors, they all contribute to the wonderful diversity of nature. Let’s discover the Strangest Reptiles in the World below.
1.1. Red-headed Agama Lizard
The red-headed Agama lizard is one of the most beautiful reptile species on the planet. With a length of 35 to 38cm (14 to 15 inches), the Agama primarily lives in Africa. The colors on the face and body of a male Agama become more vibrant during the hottest time of the day. In territorial disputes with enemies, their bodies become even more beautiful with bright colors. The contrast between the red face and the blue body has made this animal famous by the name “superman lizard.”
1.2. Marine Iguana
The marine iguana of the Galapagos Islands in Spain is a reptile that eats seaweed. Its colors are a blend of brown, pink, light blue, and green. They typically use their sharp teeth to “scrape” seaweed from rocks. Because of their scaly appearance, they are called “ugly monsters.”
1.3. Gharial
The Gharial, also known as the gavial or Gangetic crocodile, is scientifically named Gharial. Although the Gharial can reach up to 6m (20 ft) in length, it is very docile. With its narrow mouth and many teeth, the Gharial only eats fish and doesn’t bother with larger prey like many other crocodile species. The Gharial is facing a high risk of extinction because it only exists in 2% of its original range in South Asia.
1.4. Venomous Viper
The venomous viper is one of the most effective and terrifying predators on the planet. The diet of this snake typically consists of small prey, but they can also easily attack humans and cause serious harm. Due to its brilliant-colored skin, the viper has become one of the most beautiful species in the snake family. In addition, the horns on its head and its bizarre spider-like tail make the viper strangely fascinating.
1.5. Rubber Boa
The Rubber Boa lives in a large territory that includes British Columbia, Canada. This snake has a great ability to regulate its own body temperature. Nicknamed the “two-headed snake,” the Rubber Boa has a large tail that it uses as a decoy for defense. Its tail can also withstand bites during struggles with mice.
1.6. Dragon Snake
The Dragon Snake is native to Thailand, Myanmar, and Indonesia. Scientists are particularly interested in this snake because of its strange appearance and fascinating history. It is a long, black, non-venomous snake with peculiar shapes on its back. They are completely nocturnal, and their main diet consists of frogs.
1.7. Mata Mata Turtle
Unlike other “gentle” species, the Mata Mata Turtle, which comes from the Amazon region of South America, can attack and tear apart prey like aquatic birds, invertebrates, and fish with its sharp jaws. They live in the same waters as tiger fish and river dolphins. The Mata Mata is one of the world’s strangest turtles.
1.8. African Egg-Eating Snake
This snake is known for its ferocity and fast attacks. However, the African Egg-Eating Snake is slow and modest when approaching its prey. This is one of two species of ovivorous snakes (along with the Indian egg-eating snake) that depends entirely on eggs for food. Since it has no fangs, the African egg-eating snake is not venomous. The African egg-eating snake has a very flexible jaw and neck that allow it to easily swallow eggs up to 10 times its body weight. The vertebrae in its body have convex edges that can break the eggshell.
1.9. European Legless Lizard
The European legless lizard has incredible strength and excellent hunting skills. Although legless, they still have features similar to other lizards, such as ears behind their eyes and a flat head. They often rub their noses on the ground to clean the mucus they secrete after eating.
1.10. Chinese Softshell Turtle
The Chinese Softshell Turtle has wide webbed feet and a strange gaze. Scientists are particularly interested in the way it excretes urine through its mouth. This special ability helps it prevent dehydration and the accumulation of too much salt, which allows it to survive in saltwater environments. The softshell turtle lives in many areas of Asia, including Vietnam.
1.11. Mexican Mole Lizard
The Mexican Mole Lizard (Bipes Biporus) is a type of lizard with a very special shape, looking like half-worm, half-snake, and even has two front legs. This animal only lives in the Baja California region of Mexico. The Bipes Biporus is also called a mole lizard because it spends its days burrowing and living underground in search of food. This is a species with the most scales (of all reptiles, including snakes and lizards) and has a quite large population.
2. FAQs
1. Which reptile is called the “superman lizard”?
The red-headed Agama lizard is called this because of the extremely striking colors of its red head and blue body, especially when it’s hot outside. This coloring becomes even more vibrant when they are fighting for territory.
2. How is the Gharial (Gangetic crocodile) different from a regular crocodile?
The Gharial has a very narrow snout and many teeth, which are perfect for eating fish. It doesn’t hunt large prey like a classic crocodile. This species is quite docile and is critically endangered.
3. What are the characteristics that make the European legless lizard seem strange?
Despite having no legs, this reptile still has characteristics like a flat head and ears behind its eyes, and it uses its nose to wipe the ground to clean the mucus it secretes after eating.
4. How does the African egg-eating snake eat an egg without fangs?
The African egg-eating snake uses its flexible neck and special jaw to swallow eggs that can be many times larger than its own body. This species is not venomous because it has no fangs.
5. What makes the Mata Mata turtle stand out in its aquatic habitat?
The Mata Mata turtle, which lives in the Amazon, uses its sharp teeth and camouflage while lying still underwater to catch prey like fish, aquatic birds, and invertebrates. Its rough, spiky appearance gives it the look of an “ugly monster.”
3. Conclusion
The world of reptiles is truly rich and full of creatures that amaze us, from the “superman lizard” with its vibrant colors to the fangless egg-eating snake; from the Gharial with its docile snout to the bizarre looking Mata Mata turtle. These Strangest Reptiles in the World are not only beautifully odd and peculiar but also illustrate the diversity of evolution and superior adaptability found in nature. We hope you have gained a new perspective and a greater appreciation for the wild life around us.
