Have you ever owned a lizard or seen one in the wild and heard it making noise? If so, you might have wondered what it was trying to communicate. Lizards are fascinating creatures that can make a wide range of sounds, from hissing to chirping to clicking.
In this blog post, we’ll explore what it means when lizards make noise and what they might be trying to say.
What does it mean when lizards make noise?
Lizards make noise for a variety of reasons.
One of the most common reasons is to defend their territory. When a male lizard feels threatened or perceives another male as a potential challenger, it will often hiss or puff up its body to appear larger and more intimidating.
This behavior is especially common in species like iguanas and bearded dragons, where males will fight for mating rights and territory.
Another reason lizards make noise is to attract a mate. Male lizards often emit sounds, such as chirping or clicking, to attract female mates during the breeding season.
This behavior is especially common in species like anoles, geckos, and chameleons, which rely on vocalizations to signal their availability and fitness.
Some lizards also make noise as a form of communication.
For example, iguanas have been observed making various sounds, from head-bobbing to tail-flicking, to communicate with other social group members.
Similarly, many species of geckos use chirping and barking sounds to communicate with each other during social encounters.
Finally, some lizards make noise.
To express their emotions. For example, leopard geckos have been known to make a variety of vocalizations, from squeaking to growling, when they are feeling stressed, scared, or agitated. Similarly, bearded dragons often puff up and hiss when feeling threatened or uncomfortable.
What are the noisiest lizards?
Many people may not believe it, but lizards can be surprisingly noisy.
Some of the noisiest lizards around belong to the genus Anolis—a group of tiny tree-dwelling lizards found in North, Central, and South America.
These lizards are vividly colored, quickly adapting to their surroundings for camouflage and making loud chirping sounds during territorial disputes.
Other species of lizard, such as the frilled dragon, may sound intimidating, with the deep hissing noises they emit when upset or feel threatened; however, they tend to be less vocal than their Anolis relative.
All that said, some species of lizard, like the gecko, will rarely make any noise—so if a quiet passive lizard is what you are after, these would be your best bet.
What are the quietest lizards?
If you’re looking for a pet lizard that won’t make much noise, you may want to consider the family of geckos.
These small, colorful lizards make great companions due to their mellow personalities and easy-going demeanor.
Geckos can make some noise, but typically not much more than a chirp or soft squeak now and again.
They also don’t require as much interaction as other pet lizards, such as bearded dragons.
With their quick movements and silent footsteps, geckos are the perfect choice if you’re looking for a small reptile that won’t interrupt your peace and quiet.
Conclusion
While lizards may seem quiet and uncommunicative at first glance, they are incredibly vocal creatures that use a wide range of sounds to communicate with each other and express their emotions. Whether defending their territory, attracting a mate, or simply trying to express themselves, lizards have much to say – if you know how to listen.
So the next time you hear a lizard making noise, take a moment to listen and appreciate the often-overlooked world of lizard vocalizations.
