Japanese Grass Lizard

Fascinating facts about the Japanese Grass Lizard

• Even though its Japanese name 'kanahebi' includes the word for snake, this tiny wall lizard moves on four legs, proving that a name can be misleading.
• Only three lizard species inhabit Japan's four main islands, and the Japanese grass lizard is one of that tiny trio, highlighting how limited reptile diversity is in the archipelago.
• When hunting, it prefers live prey like crickets, waxworms, and rough woodlice, showing a diet that relies on the quick capture of moving meals.

At a glance

About the Japanese Grass Lizard

The Japanese grass lizard, Takydromus tachydromoides, known locally as kanahebi (ニホンカナヘビ), is a wall lizard found in Japan. It is characterized by powerful running and feeds on live prey such as crickets, waxworms, and rough woodlice. It shares its habitat with only two other lizard species, the Japanese gekko and Okada's five-lined skink.

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