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House lizards are common in homes, especially in warm places. But have you ever wondered what they eat and why they are always around lights and windows? Let’s find out what these tiny reptiles eat and why they’re actually helpful to have around!
What is the Correct Answer?
Option A. Insects: This is the correct answer. House lizards are insectivorous, which means their diet consists mainly of small insects and bugs.
What Do House Lizards Actually Eat?
House lizards, commonly referred to as geckos, are excellent hunters. Their primary food includes: Mosquitoes, Flies, Ants, Moths, Cockroaches and Spiders. Lizards rely on their excellent eyesight and quick reflexes to catch prey. They are mostly active during the night and can often be seen near artificial lights where insects swarm. The light attracts insects, creating a convenient hunting ground for lizards.
Why Don’t House Lizards Eat Plant Material or Human Food?
Unlike herbivorous or omnivorous reptiles, house lizards are strictly carnivorous. Their digestive system is specialized for processing animal protein, not plant matter. They cannot digest fruits, vegetables, or bread crumbs effectively, which is why you’ll never see a lizard nibbling on your fruit bowl. Even though lizards may appear near kitchen counters or dining areas, they are not attracted by food scraps themselves but rather by the insects drawn to these food sources.
The Role of House Lizards in the Ecosystem and Our Homes
House lizards are natural pest controllers. By feeding on insects such as mosquitoes, flies, and cockroaches, they help reduce the population of these pests inside our homes. This can contribute to:
- Reducing insect-borne diseases by controlling mosquitoes.
- Lowering the need for chemical pesticides, which can be harmful to humans and pets.
- Maintaining ecological balance within the indoor environment.
How Do House Lizards Survive Indoors?
Lizards are cold-blooded and rely on the external environment to regulate their body temperature. Our homes provide:
- Warm surfaces such as walls and ceilings.
- Plenty of insects are attracted by lights and leftover food.
- Sheltered hiding places such as cracks, behind furniture, and in ceiling corners.
Because of these factors, lizards thrive in human habitats, especially where insects are abundant.
Common Doubts in Biology
