General News
28 March, 2025
Small lizards
Small lizards are often overlooked when we think of the obvious other species that could be found in any district.
Yet, these can be found almost everywhere where they tend to blend into the background.
There are many types of smaller lizard. Thin and fast these reptiles are out and about at this time of the year.
Like any reptile they are made more active by heat so basking on a log, post or black road and handy rock is where they might be exposed on a sunny day.
These lizards are harmless and scarper off if they sense any danger. Any bird of prey, larger lizard, a snake or cat and fox will catch small reptiles to eat.
Because they are generally lean and thin they can set up a haven in rock cracks, under the bark of trees, in quiet sheds and wood heaps, in tussocks and heaps of stones.
Some lizards can release its tail if pursued but this should not be encouraged to force the tail from the body it can be a death sentence for the animal.
It takes a while to build up a tail full of energy. In ideal conditions and this serves as a winter or hard time emergency food.
Not all small lizards have the capacity to shed their tail and it is only for emergencies.
Some of the larger lizards that can be seen in our region are the goannas and they can grow up to two metres in length and can give you a fright if one is startled nearby when it takes off at great speed.
Skinks are smaller and harmless and could be found anywhere.
Stumpy lizards are part way between smaller lizards in size but they are in a category of their own.
The smaller reptiles will dig a tunnel in the soil to lay any eggs.
These emerge as papery small collection of white eggs that remind you of cob web.
Hollow trees, old rabbit holes, fallen timber can all provide habitat for critters to survive in.
There is rotting vegetation, insects, fungi and all sorts of food types to suit lizards nearly all lizards will eat worms, moths, grass hoppers, strawberries in your garden.
Earwigs and millipedes which are such a nuisance around the sheds and the garden are hard to eradicate even with a dedicated effort.