The Primary Diet of Backyard Lizards
Backyard lizards primarily consume a diet of insects and other small invertebrates, making them largely insectivorous. This natural inclination to hunt and eat insects positions them as beneficial components of many backyard ecosystems. Their diet frequently includes crickets, grasshoppers, beetles, and various types of flies, which they actively pursue and capture.
These reptiles also prey on spiders, small worms, and slugs, contributing to the natural control of these garden inhabitants. The agile movements of lizards allow them to effectively stalk and capture their prey, making them efficient predators of common garden pests. Their consistent consumption of these organisms helps maintain a natural balance.
Dietary Diversity Among Common Species
While many backyard lizards primarily consume insects, their diets can vary significantly among different species. Some common backyard lizards, like anoles and many skinks, are primarily insectivorous, meaning their diet is almost exclusively composed of insects and other small invertebrates. These species are adept at catching fast-moving prey.
Other species, such as certain geckos, might also consume small snails in addition to insects. Some backyard lizards, like certain fence lizards, might occasionally supplement their insectivorous diet with small amounts of plant matter or nectar, particularly during times when insect prey is less abundant. This flexibility allows them to adapt to changing environmental conditions.
A few lizard species found in backyard settings can exhibit omnivorous tendencies, incorporating both animal and plant material into their diet. For example, larger omnivorous species might consume berries or soft fruits in addition to insects and other small prey.
What Not to Feed Backyard Lizards and Why
Attempting to feed human food to wild backyard lizards can have detrimental effects on their health and natural behaviors. Processed foods, bread, or sugary items lack the specific nutritional profile that lizards require for proper growth and physiological function. These items can lead to digestive upset, nutrient deficiencies, or even blockages within their digestive tracts.
Insects collected from areas treated with pesticides can carry harmful chemical residues that are toxic to lizards. Feeding wild lizards can also make them accustomed to human presence, reducing their natural wariness and increasing their vulnerability to predators or other dangers.
Providing inappropriate food sources can also upset the delicate balance of their gut microbiome, leading to long-term health issues. The best approach is to observe backyard lizards from a distance and allow them to forage for their natural diet. Encouraging a healthy insect population in your yard through native plants can naturally support these beneficial reptiles.