Many people believe that most lizards are silent creatures, moving stealthily without making a sound. However, this perception doesn’t fully capture the diverse world of lizard communication. While some species are quiet, a surprising number actively produce various sounds for different purposes.
The Surprising World of Lizard Sounds
Many lizard species are capable of vocalizing. These sounds can range from subtle clicks and soft chirps to louder barks, hisses, and even growls. The ability to produce sound is not universal among the nearly 5,000 lizard species, with some groups being significantly more vocal than others. This auditory communication plays an important role in their lives.
Common Lizard Vocalizations
Lizards produce a variety of distinct sounds. Hissing is a common defensive sound used by many species, including monitor lizards, when they feel threatened or agitated. This forceful expulsion of air often accompanies other intimidating behaviors, such as body inflation or tail whipping.
Geckos are renowned for their extensive vocal repertoire, which includes chirps, clicks, squeaks, and barks. For example, the Tokay gecko is known for its loud, distinctive calls that sound like “Tokay,” from which it derives its name. Leopard geckos can chirp when content or squeak and click when stressed. Some geckos even produce high-pitched screams when frightened, which can deter predators.
The Purpose Behind the Calls
Lizard vocalizations serve several purposes, facilitating communication within their species. One function is territorial defense, where males often use sounds like chirps or barks to warn off rival males and establish boundaries. These signals help prevent physical confrontations by communicating occupancy.
Sounds are also vital in mate attraction, especially for many gecko species. Males emit specific calls, ranging from chirps to whistles, to attract females and signal their fitness. The complexity and frequency of these courtship calls can indicate a male’s desirability. Additionally, lizards may use vocalizations as distress signals or to startle predators, allowing escape.
How Lizards Produce Their Sounds
The mechanisms lizards use to produce sounds vary across species. Hissing, a common defensive sound, is produced by rapidly expelling air through the glottis. This creates a sharp, forceful sound without specialized vocal structures.
Geckos, unlike most other lizards, possess a well-developed larynx with vocal cords, allowing them to produce a wider range of chirps, clicks, and barks. Air from the lungs vibrates these vocal cords to create sound. Some gecko species also produce sounds by rubbing body parts together, a form of stridulation. While some lizards, such as bearded dragons, may exhibit jaw clicking, this is often associated with health issues rather than intentional communication.