Costa Rica Picture of the Day (August 4th, 2013) – Each day the Costa Rican Times will be including a picture from around Costa Rica to see the natural beauty and amazing things that we get to see each day in the land of the Pura Vida.
Costa Rica is full of different species of reptiles. It is home to a variety of iguanas & lizards that can be seen in humid habitats near beaches and rivers.
As secretive reptiles by nature and a defense mechanism, lizards hide under windfalls, bushes and anywhere they blend in. Another defense mechanism is having the ability to break their tail when it is forcefully grabbed. This is known as “tail autotomy.”
Lizards are generally carnivorous but many larger lizards eat plants. They feed on arthropods snails and sometimes eggs.
Many people assume these reptiles are dumb because only the Gecko can vocalize, but lizards use different body language postures to communicate and attract mates.
By Brenda Sotelo
photo credit: Mario Daniil
