Marja J.L. Kik, DVM, PhD, DVPRNVA, DECZM (Herpetology)
Man and animal possess many tools for communication. Eyes, ears, nose can be all used. Visual communication is useful when the distance between animals is small. Many animals produce sounds, some of them modulated by vocal cords. Sounds may be carried far in air and water. Scent spores produced by glands can persist for long period of time.
Communication in all its forms is important to survive: a warning for other species or individuals from the same sex. In order to be able to recognize individuals from the other sex in the light of reproduction.
Many reptiles produce sounds that humans do not recognize as speech. Snakes and chelonians do not have an outer ear, they do not hear the sounds as we do, but feel vibrations in their surroundings. Crocodilians are very vocal. The males will roar in the reproductive season, the young will make a variety of sounds to attract their mothers. When in danger they produce panic sounds.
Almost all snakes and many lizards use their tongue to analyze the scent of the environment through their Jacobson's organ.
An interesting phenomenon is the ability of color changes in chameleons. The skin is covered with a transparent layer. Below this are two well demarcated layers of red and yellow pigment containing chromatophore cells. Iridophores are found in a layer under the chromatophores, and are responsible for the metallic looking greens, blues and gold colors seen in some species as well the silver coloration. In the basis of the epidermis melanin containing cells are present. To change the color of the skin the chromatophore either shrink or expand, thus expressing different colors. A stressed chameleon will send the melanin to the surface and renders the skin darker.
Different species of chameleons possess different basal colors. The layers of the skin are hormonally influenced. In male chameleons when another male needs to be impressed or a female to be attracted it will express its most vivid colors.
Other lizards may exhibit some color changes (e.g., blackening of the lower jaw and throat in bearded dragons). Males [sic] to impress other males or in time of stress. Male iguanas will express an orange color in the reproductive season.
Many owners of pet reptiles think they communicate with the animals. Many reptiles are so used to their caretakers that they don't stress anymore, a snake that keeps his normal curled up posture when the owner opens the enclosure.
When people keep these kinds of animals it is of course very important to be able to recognize the communicative behavior of the species they have.
Normally when possible a frightened reptile will try to escape.
A stressed chameleon will show more dark colors. An angry, stressed bearded dragon will show a black beard. Iguanas that are forced into a stressed state will show off defensive behavior. The animal will make itself as big as possible, extend its dewlap, and lift its tail. When another iguana or the humans don't understand this communication meaning get out of my way and grasp the animal a next step in defense it provoked. The animal will bite, whack with his tail, scratch and rotate its body along the length axis to try to escape.
Monitor lizards may hiss when they are provoked. When this is not understood they will bite.
Many snake species may show different signs of communication. It is easily recognized in rattlesnakes. When approached they will vigorously rattle their tail that is composed of segments of keratin that fit loosely inside one another. They keep their body in a curled up position with the mouth and thus fangs ready to strike. Some species of non-venomous snake mimic these sounds. Snakes are also capable of making hissing sounds.
The grass snake (Natrix natrix) doesn't have very many weapons to defend itself. When attacked, and a veterinarian catching an animal from the enclosure is experienced as danger by the animal, it will act like it is dead. It rolls on its back and lets some red-stained fluid coming out of the mouth.
Many snakes will empty their cloaca and cloacal sacs when in panic.
Chelonians predominantly will pull themselves back in the shell protecting their softer parts. But a number of species are not that shy and will start biting when handled.
Veterinarians treating the reptiles should recognize the species brought in and have a thorough knowledge of the normal behavior of these animals.
FAQs
Most amphibians and reptiles produce sounds with a larynx containing a pair of vocal cords. Clicking and hissing are common in both groups whereas tonal sounds are found most frequently in anurans and geckos. Calls can exceed 90 dB SPL at a distance of 1 m and they can have fundamental frequencies above 20 kHz.
Do reptiles communicate with each other? ›
While reptiles are not known for vocalizing like birds or mammals, some species do make sounds to communicate. Examples include geckos and anoles, which produce clicks and chirps.
What is the communication of lizards? ›
Lizards that use tactile communication either use direct or indirect touch as a form of communication. Some species come into direct contact with one another, such as nudging, licking, biting, or bumping another lizard.
What is the connecting link between amphibians and reptiles? ›
The connecting link between amphibians and reptiles is Seymouria which was an animal living in the Permian period on both the land and in water. It is said to be a connecting link because its larval stages show amphibian-like features whereas its adult stages show reptile-like features.
What 3 traits do amphibians and reptiles share? ›
For example, they are both ectothermic, or cold-blooded animals, meaning their body temperature relies on the temperature of their habitat. Reptiles and amphibians also are both vertebrate animals, meaning they have backbones. Reptiles and amphibians also both have excellent eyesight that helps them hunt prey.
Can reptiles feel any emotions? ›
We found that reptiles were assumed to be capable of the following emotions and states; anxiety, distress, excitement, fear, frustration, pain, stress, and suffering, in 37 articles. We also found four articles that explored and found evidence for the capacity of reptiles to feel pleasure, emotion, and anxiety.
Do reptiles get along with other reptiles? ›
Certain lizards (bearded dragons, anoles, geckos) and chelonians (turtles and tortoises) can live successfully together when set up properly in same-species tanks. Snakes, however, are best housed singly and generally should not be combined in one tank, even if they are of the same species.
Do any reptiles like affection? ›
Lizards actually can be quite affectionate. Many appear to enjoy cuddling or sitting on their humans, and some even become lap lizards. However, some of these tiny dinosaurs only feel comfortable being handled or petted by their owners. Don't expect too much from a strange reptile.
Do lizards use push-ups as a form of communication? ›
Lizards can also use pushups to communicate when finding a mate. They play a role in courtship among lizards. When it's time to find a mate, pushups become essential to proving who's a suitable mate. The display of strength and ability is a combination that can contribute to the survivability of the species.
What is the communication of a bearded dragon? ›
Communication. Apart from a low hiss when threatened, Bearded Dragons do not vocalise. Communication is achieved through posturing, colour display, head bobbing and arm waving. A distinct hierarchy can be seen when these usually solitary lizards congregate at prime basking sites and at times of abundant food.
Speak while making eye contact with the gecko so that it knows you are what is making that noise. Let your gecko adjust to your hand. It is very important to do this because if your gecko doesn't adjust to your hand, it will never be comfortable being played with.
How are reptiles related to amphibians? ›
Even though amphibians and reptiles are not closely related, they are usually grouped together into a study called herpetology. Both groups may be called 'herps'. ectothermic. Many people refer to them as “cold- blooded”, but this term is misleading.
Do reptiles and amphibians have emotions? ›
Debunking the 'Lizard Brain' Myth
Anxiety, stress, excitement, fear, frustration, pain, and suffering — all of these are emotions that humans might feel on a daily basis, and scientists have repeatedly found that reptiles experience those things, too, per a 2019 review of literature published in the journal Animals.
Do reptiles have lungs? ›
Reptiles breathe air through their lungs. All reptiles have at least one lung. The oxygen that they get from the air moves through their body in their blood and helps keep their organs healthy. Other animals, such as fish and insects, do not use lungs to breathe.
Why are reptiles and amphibians grouped together? ›
One of the reasons reptiles and amphibians are lumped together under the heading of “herps” is that, at one time, naturalists thought the two kinds of animals were much more closely related than they really are, and the practice of studying them together just persisted through the years.
