7 facts about lizards that sound fake but are actually true

Lizards are everywhere. We often ignore them or swat them away from walls or balconies. But there’s more to these reptiles than meets the eye. Some of them can survive in the harshest deserts.

Some drop their tails to escape danger. Others change colour, squirt blood, or even run on water. They’re not just background creatures. Once you look closer, lizards turn out to be surprisingly advanced.Tail first, questions laterWhen a predator gets too close, many lizards have a backup move: they simply drop their tail. The tail keeps twitching– enough to distract the attacker. By then, the lizard is already gone. The tail grows back slowly, though not quite the same.

It’s not just a wild instinct. Even in captivity, a stressed lizard might drop its tail.

Water? Some lizards can go without itCertain desert species have adapted in strange ways. They barely drink. Instead, they get water from insects, plants, or even moisture in the air. While they don’t completely avoid drinking, they can go long periods without it. Not all lizards can do this, of course– species from tropical climates still need hydration. But those that can survive with minimal water are proof of how far evolution can go.

When colours change, it’s not just about hidingWe’ve all heard that chameleons change colour to blend in. That’s partly true, but it’s not the full story. Lizards change colour depending on their body temperature, stress levels, or to signal dominance. Some use it to scare off rivals or impress a mate. In some cases, it’s communication more than camouflage.Geckos can climb walls– and they lick their eyes

Geckos can walk up glass like it’s nothing. Their feet are covered with millions of tiny hairs that help them stick to surfaces.

But here’s something stranger: they don’t have eyelids. Instead, a thin layer protects their eyes, and they clean it with their tongue. Yes, it’s real. And yes, it works.Chameleons have 360 degrees vision– literallyChameleons can move each eye separately. One can look forward, the other backward. That means they can scan two sides at once without turning their heads. When they find prey, both eyes lock in– and they strike with shocking accuracy. While the eyes can move independently, they still work together when it matters.Some lizards shoot blood from their eyesThe horned lizard has one of the weirdest defence tricks in the animal world: it squirts blood from its eyes. This happens when it feels cornered. The blood can startle predators like snakes or coyotes. The move is rare, but real.

And yes, one lizard can run on waterThe basilisk lizard doesn’t walk on water. It runs. Thanks to long toes and super-fast speed, it can dash across ponds before gravity catches up. That’s why it’s nicknamed the “Jesus Lizard.”