Lava lizard

Prompt resident of Galapagos

Are the most common reptiles on the islands. Like other animals living in the archipelago, are not afraid of humans. They often can examine up close.

Size Galapagos lava lizards usually does not exceed thirteen to fifteen centimeters. These reptiles differ quite a wide variety of shades that range from ashy to copper or black with golden stripes. Males lava lizards are usually more brightly colored than females, and larger in size.

In the Galapagos there are seven species of lava lizards. On an island inhabited by only one species of reptile, which is characterized by a yellowish-gray color. On the lava rocks on the same kind of much darker, so it is often mistaken for the other, but in fact here we have the usual mimicry. In addition, the same kind of Galapagos lava lizards can have significant differences not only in color but also in size and behavior that is totally dependent on in what area they inhabit the islands. An interesting feature is the ability of these reptiles to change color when danger or changes in air temperature. Galapagos lava lizard play a significant role in controlling the populations of insects that form the basis of their diet. In addition, among these reptiles cannibalism is not uncommon.

Galapagos lava lizards are diurnal. Their day begins with "sogrevatelnogo ritual" on top of some rocks. Then reptiles go hunting because they are predators. Sometimes they add variety to your diet and eat the plants, especially during drought. During the day, the reptile occasionally hide in the shade, to avoid violating the thermoregulation. In the last hunt Galapagos lava lizard out before nightfall. After the hunt, they get into the leaves to protect themselves from the cold of the night.

Surprisingly, but - FACT!

As of 2014 there are more than 5907 different kinds of lizards.

A Six lizard-runner to be the fastest land reptile: speeds up to 29 km / h. Speeding, it goes into a run on two legs!

Ancient giant lizard - the Komodo dragon - on assumptions of paleontologists, it could hunt for the now extinct dwarf elephants.

Everyone knows that in case of danger lizard can swing tail, which she attached no weaker than other parts of the body. Feeling pain during the attack of the enemy, the lizard itself breaks the muscle contractions of the tail vertebrae. Then the tail vertebrae grow longer has - just cartilage. Interestingly, that if in the attack of a predator tail of a lizard was cut to the end, next to it can grow another one, two or even three new tail!

Exist in nature and legless lizard - Anguis fragilis and this glass-lizard.

LIZARD in mythology

Because of their ability to sacrifice the tail, saving his life, he became a symbol of the lizard nimble, flexible, unscrupulousness, ability to easily change depending on the situation.

In Egypt, ancient Greece and the lizard meant divine wisdom and luck. She was considered a symbol of the planet Mercury and the attribute of Hermes. Hermes - messenger of the gods, the patron of travelers, the conductor of souls, the messenger of war and peace. However, at the same time cunning and agility make him a god Hermes trade and at the same time - the patron saint of cheating and theft.

In Roman mythology, it was believed that the lizard is sleeping all winter, so it symbolized the death and resurrection.

Mexicans lizard - a symbol of fertility. The Mexican Indians were companions lizard mediums.

In Tahiti, they were considered sacred animals of the gods. It lizards priests prayed, asking them to send the health and welfare of the heir.

In Christianity, the lizard meant evil and the devil.

In Russian tales lizard - positive character, a warning about the dangers of man. In the Urals, the lizard symbolizes the spirit of the mountain, rich in copper ore (remember the "Mistress of Copper Mountain" Bazhov).

It was believed that the dream is a beautiful lizard harmonious existence with a dangerous man, the ability to maneuver.

Many ancient peoples believed that any part of the body lizard can grow back. Therefore, the image lizards attached great symbolic value. Lizard - is the ability to heal itself.