10 Colorful Lizards to Delight Reptile Lovers

Native to Madagascar, the panther chameleon (Furcifer pardalis) is one of the most colorful lizards in the world.

Males can shift between green, blue, orange and red depending on mood, temperature or presence of rivals. That color change comes from nanocrystals in their skin that scatter light differently.

Also known as the common agama or red-headed rock agama, the rainbow lizard (Agama agama) brings fiery contrast to the landscapes of West Africa.

Adult males sport a bright orange head and a blue body during the breeding season. They use head bobs and push-ups to display dominance or attract mates.

Bright green with white or pale blue bands, the Fiji banded iguana (Brachylophus fasciatus) lives on the islands of Fiji.

It's a tree-dwelling reptile that's highly prized in the pet trade but threatened by habitat loss and invasive species. This iguana's vibrant colors help it blend with leaves.

The tokay gecko (Gekko gecko), common in Southeast Asia, isn't shy. Its dark blue-gray body with vivid orange spots makes it a standout among geckos.

These reptiles are nocturnal and can make surprisingly loud vocalizations, especially when threatened or during mating season.

Found in the southeastern United States, the green anole (Anolis carolinensis) is often mistaken for a chameleon because it can shift from bright green to brown. This small lizard uses its green color for camouflage in foliage and displays a pink throat fan to attract potential mates.

The common basilisk (Basiliscus basiliscus), often nicknamed the Jesus Christ lizard, gets attention for its ability to run across water.

Native to Central America, it's typically green or brown but may show bluish or yellow accents. Its flashy stripes and frilled crest add to its flair.

A favorite among reptile enthusiasts, the bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) hails from Australia.

While not as flashy as others on this list, its body color can shift slightly to regulate body temperature or express mood. Some morphs bred in captivity showcase more vibrant colors like orange or yellow.

An invasive species in the U.S., the brown anole (Anolis sagrei) originally comes from Cuba and the Bahamas. It displays a bright orange-red throat fan to warn off other males or impress females.

Unlike the green anole, it prefers open areas like rocks and sidewalks.

Found across Africa, Asia and Australia, monitor lizards come in many species, some with vivid patterns and coloration.

The mangrove monitor (Varanus indicus), for example, displays a dark body with yellow spots and thrives in aquatic habitats. These large reptiles can be a few feet (over 1 meter) long.

Thought extinct until it was rediscovered in 1994, the crested gecko (Correlophus ciliatus) is now a popular pet. Native to New Caledonia, it comes in a wide range of colors including red, orange, yellow and gray. It can even change color slightly based on mood or light.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.