What Do Lizards Eat in the Wild? What Should You Feed a Pet Lizard?

If you're a fan of reptiles, you've probably asked yourself, what do lizards eat? With over 7,000 known lizard species on Earth, the answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. Some lizards eat only insects, others go for plant matter — and a few go full-on omnivore, chomping on both.

Whether you're observing wild lizards or caring for pet lizards, knowing their nutritional needs is key to keeping them healthy. And let’s be honest: There’s something fascinating about watching a gecko zero in on a cricket like it's a gourmet snack.

Insect Eaters Rule the Lizard World

Lizard eating insect. Fernando Trabanco Fotografía / Getty Images

Most lizards are insect eaters. They munch on:

Crickets
Mealworms
Dubia roaches
Wingless fruit flies
Ants, spiders and earthworms

Lizards strike fast, aiming for prey that fits within the width of the lizard's head.

Live insects are a must for many species; they’re more enticing and help replicate natural hunting behaviors. And don’t forget gut-loading: Feeding insects nutrient-rich foods before offering them to your lizard boosts their calcium and vitamin content.

Omnivorous and Herbivorous Lizards

While many lizards eat bugs, some species — like bearded dragons and veiled chameleons — are omnivorous lizards that need a balanced diet; they eat plant matter and animal products.

Others, like iguanas, are herbivorous (plant-eating) lizards that primarily eat vegetables and fruits.

Some common foods for these lizards include:

Leafy greens like collard greens and dandelion leaves
Shredded carrots, green beans and squash
Small amounts of berries or mango for treats

Whether in the wild or in your living room, omnivores and herbivores need variety and high-fiber vegetables to stay in top shape.

Feeding Pet Lizards the Right Way

Pet stores offer a range of feeders and supplements, but creating a good routine matters. Provide live prey in a shallow dish or feeding area, and always offer fresh water in a clean bowl.

A reliable heat source is another important factor, as lizards need external warmth to digest food properly.

For pet lizards, avoid feeding:

Lightning bugs (they're toxic)
Wild-caught insects (they may carry pesticides)
Too much fruit (can cause digestive upset)

A thoughtful diet helps lizards stay hydrated, active and thriving.

What Wild Lizards Eat

In nature, wild lizards are resourceful. They’ll eat insects, small animals, plants and even other lizards, depending on the species and environment. A desert lizard might dine on ants and succulents, while a rainforest dweller could snack on worms and juicy leaves.

Their ability to adapt their food intake helps lizards survive in nearly every ecosystem on the planet.

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