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!]

Vevor Reptile Incubator 25L 2-60°C Scientific Poultry Duck Egg IncubatorVevor Reptile Incubator 25L 2-60°C Scientific Poultry Duck Egg Incubator $115.99 Vevor Reptile Incubator 25L Scientific Poultry Digital Egg Incubator 5-60°CVevor Reptile Incubator 25L Scientific Poultry Digital Egg Incubator 5-60°C $119.99
Tortoise Iguana Reptile Food Diet Fresh from bulk Choose Size!Tortoise Iguana Reptile Food Diet Fresh from bulk Choose Size! $9.99 to Large Reptile Terrarium Pvc Reptile Enclosure 48" x 24"x 24" Habitat 120 GallonLarge Reptile Terrarium Pvc Reptile Enclosure 48" x 24"x 24" Habitat 120 Gallon $279.00
500 large live superworms 2-inch reptile food500 large live superworms 2-inch reptile food $28.99 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
11Lbs Non-Gmo Dried Mealworms Fit Wild Bird Food Treats Chickens Reptile Turtles11Lbs Non-Gmo Dried Mealworms Fit Wild Bird Food Treats Chickens Reptile Turtles $54.85 *Huge Sale* Live Mealworms - 500 Large or Medium Sized - Reptile Food*Huge Sale* Live Mealworms - 500 Large or Medium Sized - Reptile Food $10.99 to
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 - 50 - 1,000- Large 2" - Reptile FoodLive Superworms - 50 - 1,000- Large 2" - Reptile Food $10.99 to
Zilla (#100111305) Jungle Mix Reptile Bedding, Sphagnum moss/Fir shavings, 24qtZilla (#100111305) Jungle Mix Reptile Bedding, Sphagnum moss/Fir shavings, 24qt $29.19 Jungle Reptile Vine For Terrarium Reptile Decor Plants XyzreptilesJungle Reptile Vine For Terrarium Reptile Decor Plants Xyzreptiles $6.99
1000 - Live Mealworms - Reptile Food1000 - Live Mealworms - Reptile Food $13.99 organic live large superworms reptile food Live Guaranteeorganic live large superworms reptile food Live Guarantee $28.99
Reptile Feeder Bugs: 50 - 250 Medium Dubia RoachesReptile Feeder Bugs: 50 - 250 Medium Dubia Roaches $9.99 to Lucky Herp Desert Uva Uvb Reptile Light Bulb 10.0 26W Compact Fluorescent LampLucky Herp Desert Uva Uvb Reptile Light Bulb 10.0 26W Compact Fluorescent Lamp $13.49
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 Reptile Fogger Automatic Reptile Mister Fogger for Terrarium, Timed Reptile H.Reptile Fogger Automatic Reptile Mister Fogger for Terrarium, Timed Reptile H. $32.81
500 - Large Live Superworms - Reptile Food500 - Large Live Superworms - Reptile Food $23.99 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
Tikaton Reptile Heating Pad Digital Thermostat Combo Set Terrarium Heat Mat 2023Tikaton Reptile Heating Pad Digital Thermostat Combo Set Terrarium Heat Mat 2023 $27.18 Live Superworms - 50 - 1,000 - Large 2"+ Reptile FeedersLive Superworms - 50 - 1,000 - Large 2"+ Reptile Feeders $12.99 to
Dubia Roaches Small - Medium - Large Live Reptile Feeders 25 - 1000+Dubia Roaches Small - Medium - Large Live Reptile Feeders 25 - 1000+ $11.99 to Reptile Humidifiers Reptiles Fogger Terrariums Tank Fog Mister Paludarium/VivariReptile Humidifiers Reptiles Fogger Terrariums Tank Fog Mister Paludarium/Vivari $39.99
Live Banded Crickets - All Sizes 100 - 5,000 - Reptile FoodLive Banded Crickets - All Sizes 100 - 5,000 - Reptile Food $12.99 to Red Runner Roaches Reptile Food Live Feeders Free ShippingRed Runner Roaches Reptile Food Live Feeders Free Shipping $15.00 to
Reptile Humidifier Mister Fogger for Terrarium Automatic Timer Spray Mist FoggerReptile Humidifier Mister Fogger for Terrarium Automatic Timer Spray Mist Fogger $35.14 50+ ‘Wild Type’ isopods • Bioactive • Springtails Incl! • Reptile Feeder • Lag50+ ‘Wild Type’ isopods • Bioactive • Springtails Incl! • Reptile Feeder • Lag $20.00
Turkish Glider Fruit Fly Culture 4 Pack Reptile Dart Frog Food LiveTurkish Glider Fruit Fly Culture 4 Pack Reptile Dart Frog Food Live $34.99 Repashy Reptile & Amphibian Premix, Beardie BuffetRepashy Reptile & Amphibian Premix, Beardie Buffet $12.49
Live Mealworms (50-2000) S,M,L |Reptile Feeders| Free ShippingLive Mealworms (50-2000) S,M,L |Reptile Feeders| Free Shipping $7.98 to Hydei Fruit Fly 16 Pack Cultures Dart Frog Food Reptile Food Free ShippingHydei Fruit Fly 16 Pack Cultures Dart Frog Food Reptile Food Free Shipping $129.99
Exo Terra Reptile Cave - Natural Hiding Place - Medium (Pt2931)Exo Terra Reptile Cave - Natural Hiding Place - Medium (Pt2931) $14.79 1000 Live Large Superworms - Reptile Food1000 Live Large Superworms - Reptile Food $34.99
ReptiChip Reptile Substrate Coconut Chip Block for Snake and Lizard BeddingReptiChip Reptile Substrate Coconut Chip Block for Snake and Lizard Bedding $36.95 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
Live Superworms 25 - 3000 + Bonus Reptile Feeders Food InsectsLive Superworms 25 - 3000 + Bonus Reptile Feeders Food Insects $14.99 to Live Black Soldier Fly Larvae (120, 250, 500)Live Black Soldier Fly Larvae (120, 250, 500) $4.99 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 $8.99 20+ ‘Red Koi’ isopods • Bioactive • Springtails Incl • Reptile CuC • Lag20+ ‘Red Koi’ isopods • Bioactive • Springtails Incl • Reptile CuC • Lag $20.00
Reptile Feeder Bugs: 50 - 200 Large Dubia RoachesReptile Feeder Bugs: 50 - 200 Large Dubia Roaches $9.99 to Live Mealworms - 50 - 3,000 - Reptile Food Feeders Free ShippingLive Mealworms - 50 - 3,000 - Reptile Food Feeders Free Shipping $8.50 to
Bn-Link Reptile Heat Mat Under Tank Heater Terrarium Warmer Heating Pad For PetsBn-Link Reptile Heat Mat Under Tank Heater Terrarium Warmer Heating Pad For Pets $11.39 to Live Waxworms, Wax worms Fishing, Reptile Feeders, Free ShippingLive Waxworms, Wax worms Fishing, Reptile Feeders, Free Shipping $10.99 to
1000 Live Small Dubia Roaches Reptile Feeders Please Read Description Before Buy1000 Live Small Dubia Roaches Reptile Feeders Please Read Description Before Buy $47.50 Dual Dome Reptile Light Fixture Separate Switches Reptile Heat Lamp/Uvb LightDual Dome Reptile Light Fixture Separate Switches Reptile Heat Lamp/Uvb Light $26.59
Dubia Roaches Small,Medium,Large Reptile Feeders Live Feeders Free ShippingDubia Roaches Small,Medium,Large Reptile Feeders Live Feeders Free Shipping $8.99 to Collapsible Reptile Terrarium 24 Gallon Reptile Tank 24x16x16 Inch XyzreptilesCollapsible Reptile Terrarium 24 Gallon Reptile Tank 24x16x16 Inch Xyzreptiles $69.99
Live Mealworms - 50 - 10,000 - Large 3/4" - 1" - Reptile FoodLive Mealworms - 50 - 10,000 - Large 3/4" - 1" - Reptile Food $8.99 to Aquatic Turtle Food Growth 15 Pounds Bulk Bag Free Shipping!Aquatic Turtle Food Growth 15 Pounds Bulk Bag Free Shipping! $59.99
1,000-5,000 Red Runner 1/2" Feeder Roaches Reptile Food | Free Shipping1,000-5,000 Red Runner 1/2" Feeder Roaches Reptile Food | Free Shipping $59.99 to Hydei Fruit Fly Culture 4 Pack Reptile Dart Frog Food LiveHydei Fruit Fly Culture 4 Pack Reptile Dart Frog Food Live $34.99
Reptile Uvb Bulb 15.0 Reptile Light 26 Watt Basking Lamp XyzreptilesReptile Uvb Bulb 15.0 Reptile Light 26 Watt Basking Lamp Xyzreptiles $15.99 Wingless Fruit Fly 4 Pack cultures Dart Frog Food Reptile Food Free ShippingWingless Fruit Fly 4 Pack cultures Dart Frog Food Reptile Food Free Shipping $34.99
250 Live Wax worms / Bee Moth / Bird / Reptile , were the growers Free Shipping250 Live Wax worms / Bee Moth / Bird / Reptile , were the growers Free Shipping $16.99
Click to see more Reptile items at www.ebay.com
Prices current as of last update, 04/22/25 2:01pm.

Home Contact Resources Exchange Links eBay