Testudo hermanni boettgeriYoung American Alligator Georgetown, South CarolinaGreek tortoise of North-East Turkey
Discover great deals on the many hard to find and one of a kind items available only on ebay!

This site contains sponsored affiliate links.

Reptile

Reptiles are tetrapods, and also are amniotes, animals whose embryos are surrounded by an amniotic membrane. Today they are represented by four surviving orders: more...

  • Crocodilia (crocodiles and alligators): 23 species
  • Rhynchocephalia (tuataras from New Zealand): 2 species
  • Squamata (lizards, snakes and amphisbaenids ("worm-lizards") ): approximately 7,600 species
  • Testudines (turtles): approximately 300 species

Reptiles are found on every continent except for Antarctica, although their main distribution comprises the tropics and subtropics. more...

HomeHome
AmphibianAmphibian
ArthropodArthropod
BirdBird
CatCat
DinosaurDinosaur
DogDog
FishFish
MammalMammal
MythologicalMythological
ReptileReptile
GeckoGecko
LizardLizard
SnakeSnake
TortoiseTortoise
TurtleTurtle


Though all cellular metabolism produces some heat, modern species of reptiles do not generate enough to maintain a constant body temperature. (See the Leatherback Sea Turtle for an exception to this.) Instead they rely on gathering and losing heat from the environment to regulate their internal temperature, e.g, by moving between sun and shade, or by preferential circulation — moving warmed blood into the body core, while pushing cool blood to the periphery. In their natural habitats, most species are adept at this, and can maintain core body temperatures within a fairly narrow range, comparable to that of mammals and birds, the two surviving groups of "warm-blooded" animals. While this lack of adequate internal heating imposes costs relative to temperature regulation through behavior, it also provides a large benefit by allowing reptiles to survive on much less food than comparably-sized mammals and birds, who burn much of their food for warmth. While warm-blooded animals move faster in general, an attacking lizard, snake or crocodile moves very quickly.

Most reptile species are oviparous (egg-laying). Many species of squamates, however, are capable of giving live birth. This is achieved, either through ovoviviparity (egg retention), or viviparous|viviparity (babies born without use of calcified eggs). Many of the viviparous species feed their fetuses through various forms of placenta, just like mammals (Pianka & Vitt, 2003 pgs: 116-118). They often provide considerable initial care for their hatchlings.

However, note the taxonomy issues described below; mammals and birds can also be viewed as descendants of reptiles.

Classification of reptiles

From the classical standpoint, reptiles included all the amniotes except birds and mammals. Thus reptiles were defined as the set of animals that includes crocodiles, alligators, tuatara, lizards, snakes, amphisbaenians and turtles, grouped together as the class Reptilia (Latin repere, "to creep"). This is still the usual definition of the term.

However, in recent years, many taxonomists have begun to insist that taxa should be monophyletic, that is, groups should include all descendants of a particular form. The reptiles as defined above would be paraphyletic, since they exclude both birds and mammals, although these also developed from the original reptile. Colin Tudge writes:

Mammals are a clade, and therefore the cladists are happy to acknowledge the traditional taxon Mammalia; and birds, too, are a clade, universally ascribed to the formal taxon Aves. Mammalia and Aves are, in fact, subclades within the grand clade of the Amniota. But the traditional class reptilia is not a clade. It is just a section of the clade Amniota: the section that is left after the Mammalia and Aves have been hived off. It cannot be defined by synamorphies, as is the proper way. It is instead defined by a combination of the features it has and the features it lacks: reptiles are the amniotes that lack fur or feathers. At best, the cladists suggest, we could say that the traditional Reptila are 'non-avian, non-mammalian amniotes'. (Tudge, p.85)

Some cladists thus redefine Reptilia as a monophyletic group, including both the classic reptiles as well as the birds and perhaps the mammals (depending on ideas about their relationships). Others abandon it as a formal taxon altogether, dividing it into several different classes. However, other biologists believe that the common characters of the standard four orders are more important than the exact relationships, or feel that redefining the Reptilia to include birds and mammals would be a confusing break with tradition. A number of biologists have adopted a compromise system, marking paraphyletic groups with an asterisk, e.g. class Reptilia*. Colin Tudge notes other uses of this compromise system:

By the same token, the traditional class Amphibia becomes Amphibia*, because some ancient amphibian or other gave rise to all the amniotes; and the phylum Crustacea becomes Crustacea*, because it may have given rise to the insects and myriapods (centipedes and millipedes). If we believe, as some (but not all) zoologists do, that myriapods gave rise to insects, then they should be called Myriapoda*....by this convention Reptilia without an asterisk is synonymous with Amniota, and includes birds and mammals, whereas Reptilia* means non-avian, non-mammalian amniotes. (Tudge, p.85)

Evolution of the reptiles

Several thousand fossil species showing a clear smooth transition from the ancestors of reptiles to present-day reptiles exist.

Hylonomus is the oldest-known reptile, and was about 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm) long. Westlothiana has been suggested as the oldest reptile, but is for the moment considered to be more related to amphibians than amniotes. Petrolacosaurus, Araeoscelis, Paleothyris, Hylonomus, Ophiacodontidae, Archaeothyris, mesosaurs and Ophiacodon are other examples. The first true "reptile" or Amniotes are categorized as Anapsids, having a solid skull with holes only for nose, eyes, spinal cord, etc. Turtles are believed by some to be surviving Anapsids, as they also share this skull structure; but this point has become contentious lately, with some arguing that turtles reverted to this primitive state in order to improve their armor. Both sides have strong evidence, and the conflict has yet to be resolved.

Shortly after the first reptiles, two branches split off, either from the Anapsids or simply from each other, leaving no proper Anapsids. One group, the Synapsida, had a pair of holes in their skulls behind the eyes, which were used to both lighten the skull and increase the space for jaw muscles. The other group, Diapsida, possessed the same holes, along with a second pair located higher on the skull. The Synapsida eventually evolved into mammals, while Diapsida split yet again into two lineages, the lepidosaurs (which contain modern snakes, lizards and tuataras, as well as (in debate) the extinct sea reptiles of the Mesozoic) and the archosaurs (modernly represented by only crocodiles and birds, but containing pterosaurs and dinosaurs).

Read more at Wikipedia.org


[List your site here Free!]

Tortoise Iguana Reptile Food Diet Fresh from bulk Choose Size!Tortoise Iguana Reptile Food Diet Fresh from bulk Choose Size! $9.99 to Alive Pet Reptile Feeder Insects & Bugs - Living Terrarium Pets Food Diet FeedAlive Pet Reptile Feeder Insects & Bugs - Living Terrarium Pets Food Diet Feed $10.25 to
Resin Reptile Water Bowl Naturalistic Terrarium Reptile Water Dish SmallResin Reptile Water Bowl Naturalistic Terrarium Reptile Water Dish Small $7.99 Large Natural Cuttlebone Cuttlefish Bone Bird Reptile Turtle Food Calcium 6"+Large Natural Cuttlebone Cuttlefish Bone Bird Reptile Turtle Food Calcium 6"+ $12.95 to
Live Waxworms, Wax worms Fishing, Reptile Feeders, Free ShippingLive Waxworms, Wax worms Fishing, Reptile Feeders, Free Shipping $10.99 to 500 - Large Live Superworms - Reptile Food500 - Large Live Superworms - Reptile Food $23.99
Flightless Fruit Fly Culture (Drosophila Hydei) Reptile FoodFlightless Fruit Fly Culture (Drosophila Hydei) Reptile Food $15.99 to Reptibark 45-90 Gallon (24Qt) "Ctg: Reptile Products - Reptile - Substrate/Be.Reptibark 45-90 Gallon (24Qt) "Ctg: Reptile Products - Reptile - Substrate/Be. $35.14
Dubia Roaches Small/medium Reptile Feeders Live Free ShippingDubia Roaches Small/medium Reptile Feeders Live Free Shipping $12.99 to Jungle Bob Reptile & Amphibian Cave Hide - Gray Terrarium Pet Hiding Rock CavesJungle Bob Reptile & Amphibian Cave Hide - Gray Terrarium Pet Hiding Rock Caves $12.99
Dual Dome Reptile Light Fixture Separate Switches Reptile Heat Lamp/Uvb LightDual Dome Reptile Light Fixture Separate Switches Reptile Heat Lamp/Uvb Light $26.99 Hydei Fruit Fly Culture 32oz Dart Frog Food Reptile Food Live InsectsHydei Fruit Fly Culture 32oz Dart Frog Food Reptile Food Live Insects $9.99
Dubia Roaches Small,Medium,Large Reptile Feeders Live Feeders Free ShippingDubia Roaches Small,Medium,Large Reptile Feeders Live Feeders Free Shipping $8.99 to Live Pet Reptile Insect Feeders - Living Bugs Grubs Bearded Dragon Food & BaitLive Pet Reptile Insect Feeders - Living Bugs Grubs Bearded Dragon Food & Bait $5.89 to
Live Superworms - 50 - 1,000- Large 2" - Reptile FoodLive Superworms - 50 - 1,000- Large 2" - Reptile Food $10.99 to Reptile Feeder Bugs: 75 - 1000 Extra Small Dubia RoachesReptile Feeder Bugs: 75 - 1000 Extra Small Dubia Roaches $13.99 to
4/8/12/20Pcs Uva+Uvb 25/50/75W Reptile Heat Basking Light Bulb Lamp For Reptiles4/8/12/20Pcs Uva+Uvb 25/50/75W Reptile Heat Basking Light Bulb Lamp For Reptiles $11.95 to Flightless Fruit Fly Culture 32oz Live Dart Frog Food Reptile Food Live InsectsFlightless Fruit Fly Culture 32oz Live Dart Frog Food Reptile Food Live Insects $18.99
Reptile Glass Terrarium - Amphibians Habitat Cages 12x8x8inch Starter KitsReptile Glass Terrarium - Amphibians Habitat Cages 12x8x8inch Starter Kits $50.00 Superworm/Mealworm Farm- Raise Your Own Reptile FeedersSuperworm/Mealworm Farm- Raise Your Own Reptile Feeders $59.99
200 X-Large Dubia Roaches Reptile Feeders.Free Shipping +15% Extra200 X-Large Dubia Roaches Reptile Feeders.Free Shipping +15% Extra $39.99 Reptile Hide Box Spot Habitat Décor Reptile Hide Spot (4 Sizes Available)Reptile Hide Box Spot Habitat Décor Reptile Hide Spot (4 Sizes Available) $8.99 to
Hydei Fruit Fly Culture 4 Pack Reptile Dart Frog Food LiveHydei Fruit Fly Culture 4 Pack Reptile Dart Frog Food Live $34.99 Bearded Dragon Pvc Reptile Enclosure 40" x 16" x 16" Black Low Habitat 44 GallonBearded Dragon Pvc Reptile Enclosure 40" x 16" x 16" Black Low Habitat 44 Gallon $199.99
Live Superworms 50 - 1,000 Reptile Food Insects Free ShippingLive Superworms 50 - 1,000 Reptile Food Insects Free Shipping $10.98 to 3000 - Live Mealworms - Reptile Food3000 - Live Mealworms - Reptile Food $28.99
Live Mealworms (50-2000) S,M,L |Reptile Feeders| Free ShippingLive Mealworms (50-2000) S,M,L |Reptile Feeders| Free Shipping $7.98 to Exo Terra Reptile Multi Vitamin 2.5 oz.Exo Terra Reptile Multi Vitamin 2.5 oz. $11.99
Aiicioo Dual Reptile Light FixtureAiicioo Dual Reptile Light Fixture $21.00 1000 Live Small Dubia Roaches Reptile Feeders Please Read Description Before Buy1000 Live Small Dubia Roaches Reptile Feeders Please Read Description Before Buy $49.99
Live Mealworms - Grown Organic Meal Worms for Reptiles - 1000 Bulk Feeder InsectLive Mealworms - Grown Organic Meal Worms for Reptiles - 1000 Bulk Feeder Insect $13.99 Live Superworms 25 - 3000 + Bonus Reptile Feeders Food InsectsLive Superworms 25 - 3000 + Bonus Reptile Feeders Food Insects $14.99 to
Live Mealworms - 50 - 3,000 - Reptile Food Feeders Free ShippingLive Mealworms - 50 - 3,000 - Reptile Food Feeders Free Shipping $8.50 to Reptile Feeder Bugs: 50 - 200 Large Dubia RoachesReptile Feeder Bugs: 50 - 200 Large Dubia Roaches $12.99 to
1000 Live Large Superworms - Reptile Food1000 Live Large Superworms - Reptile Food $34.99 Vivosun 6x8/8x12/8x18 Reptile Heating Pad Under Tank Terrarium Warmer ThermostatVivosun 6x8/8x12/8x18 Reptile Heating Pad Under Tank Terrarium Warmer Thermostat $26.99 to
Live Superworms - 50 to 1,000 - Reptile Feeders from BuyFeederCricketsLive Superworms - 50 to 1,000 - Reptile Feeders from BuyFeederCrickets $11.99 to Reptile Heat Lamp Turtle Lizard 2 Bulb Adjustable Basking Heating Lamp with ClipReptile Heat Lamp Turtle Lizard 2 Bulb Adjustable Basking Heating Lamp with Clip $15.19
250 Count Live Waxworms, Wax worms Fishing, Reptile Feeders, Free Shipping250 Count Live Waxworms, Wax worms Fishing, Reptile Feeders, Free Shipping $16.99 to Flightless Fruit Fly 4 Pack cultures Dart Frog Food Reptile Food Free ShippingFlightless Fruit Fly 4 Pack cultures Dart Frog Food Reptile Food Free Shipping $34.99
Uva Reptile Heat Lamp 75 Watt Bulb Basking Light XyzreptilesUva Reptile Heat Lamp 75 Watt Bulb Basking Light Xyzreptiles $9.99 ReptiEarth Reptile Bedding Fluffy Fine Coconut Fiber Substrate for TerrariumsReptiEarth Reptile Bedding Fluffy Fine Coconut Fiber Substrate for Terrariums $19.95 to
Live Superworms - 50 - 1,000 - Large 2"+ Reptile FeedersLive Superworms - 50 - 1,000 - Large 2"+ Reptile Feeders $12.99 to Reptile Heating Pad - Hermit Crab Heater Heat Mat for Reptiles Snake Lizard TerrReptile Heating Pad - Hermit Crab Heater Heat Mat for Reptiles Snake Lizard Terr $17.11
Live Mealworms - 25 - 2000 ct - Reptile, Bird, Fish FeedLive Mealworms - 25 - 2000 ct - Reptile, Bird, Fish Feed $7.99 to Reptile Incubator 25L 2-60°C Scientific Poultry Duck Egg IncubatorReptile Incubator 25L 2-60°C Scientific Poultry Duck Egg Incubator $93.99
Live Crickets Pinhead Small Medium Reptile Food Free ShippingLive Crickets Pinhead Small Medium Reptile Food Free Shipping $10.00 to Flightless Fruit Fly Cultures 16 Pack Dart Frog Food Reptile Food Free ShippingFlightless Fruit Fly Cultures 16 Pack Dart Frog Food Reptile Food Free Shipping $129.99
Reptizoo Supersun Uvb/Uva Reptile Lamp 125W P125125 For Lizard, Turtle, TortoiseReptizoo Supersun Uvb/Uva Reptile Lamp 125W P125125 For Lizard, Turtle, Tortoise $24.99 Live Banded Crickets - All Sizes 100 - 5,000 - Reptile FoodLive Banded Crickets - All Sizes 100 - 5,000 - Reptile Food $12.99 to
Reptizoo Large Reptile Terrarium 120 Gallon Tall & Wide Tempered Glass Reptil.Reptizoo Large Reptile Terrarium 120 Gallon Tall & Wide Tempered Glass Reptil. $339.99 300 Live Medium Dubia Roaches Reptile Feeders. Free Shipping +15% Extra300 Live Medium Dubia Roaches Reptile Feeders. Free Shipping +15% Extra $36.99
Aiicioo Reptile Led Uvb Terrarium Light with 3 Timing Function Uvb LampAiicioo Reptile Led Uvb Terrarium Light with 3 Timing Function Uvb Lamp $22.00 Premium Aspen Snake Bedding Reptile Substrate 4 Quarts, 8 Quarts, 12 QuartsPremium Aspen Snake Bedding Reptile Substrate 4 Quarts, 8 Quarts, 12 Quarts $10.99 to
Arcadia ShadeDweller Pro T5 Kit 7% Uvb 8W Reptile Uv Bulb 12”Arcadia ShadeDweller Pro T5 Kit 7% Uvb 8W Reptile Uv Bulb 12” $14.97 Live Mealworms - 50 - 10,000 - Large 3/4" - 1" - Reptile FoodLive Mealworms - 50 - 10,000 - Large 3/4" - 1" - Reptile Food $8.99 to
Reptile Feeder Bugs: 50 - 250 Medium Dubia RoachesReptile Feeder Bugs: 50 - 250 Medium Dubia Roaches $12.99 to Fluker'S Calcium Reptile Supplement with Added Vitamin D3, 4 Oz.Fluker'S Calcium Reptile Supplement with Added Vitamin D3, 4 Oz. $9.54
Bulk Dried Mealworms for Wild Blue Birds Hen Reptile Treats Non-Gmo 11 44Lbs LotBulk Dried Mealworms for Wild Blue Birds Hen Reptile Treats Non-Gmo 11 44Lbs Lot $9.98 to
Click to see more Reptile items at www.ebay.com
Prices current as of last update, 08/08/25 5:01am.

Home Contact Resources Exchange Links eBay