Hey there, reptile lover! Have you ever seen a bright blue lizard or snake slithering around? While most reptiles come in greens, browns, and other earthy hues, some species are known for their brilliant blue colours.
In this post, we’ll look at some of the world’s most vibrant blue reptiles. From tiny geckos to massive iguanas, these colourful critters will surely catch your eye!
White-lipped Pit Viper
Most people don’t associate the colour blue with snakes. But the white-lipped pit viper is a vibrant exception. Native to the lowland forests of Southeast Asia, this venomous snake has emerald green scales with brilliant blue trim. It uses this unusual combo as camouflage in the rainforest canopy.
The green matches the leaves, while the blue blends in with gaps of sky in the foliage. The blue stands out brightly when the snake flattens its body, signalling a warning. And it has another neat trick – it can change colours! At night, the blue turns dark purple. Talk about a crazy colour-changing snake!
Electric Blue Gecko
Native to the rainforests of New Guinea, the electric blue gecko lives up to its name. It has patterns of brilliant neon blue stripes against a black background. These bright colours act as a warning to predators that it’s toxic. When threatened, the gecko can quickly change from day colours to night colours.
During the day, the blue really pops against the black. But at night, it turns almost entirely jet black and blends into the shadows. Even its blue eyes turn grey or black! Talk about crazy camouflage. With its shocking colours, it’s easy to see why locals call this gecko “lik lik bilong beten,” meaning “blue of the forest spirits.”
Sinai Agama
Found along the sandy coast of the Sinai Peninsula, the Sinai agama is hard to miss. Males have heads of powder blue and bodies of orange and blue. They use these bright, contrasting colours to communicate and attract mates. Females are more subtle with tan and brown hues.
But they also have a blue throat and two blue patches on their shoulders. This species perfectly blends in with the orange and blue shades of the sandy desert environment. The Sinai agama perches high on rocks and bushes, bobbing its head up and down. This displays its colours and signals territory to other competing males. What a flashy lizard!
Grand Cayman Blue Iguana
As the name implies, this BIG blue lizard only calls Grand Cayman Island home. Weighing in at 30 pounds and stretching 4-5 feet long, the blue iguana dwarfs its green cousin, the Sister Islands iguana. It features greyish-blue skin with darker blue bands running along its body.
But its most striking feature is its azure blue jowls and head, contrasted with orange eyes. For years, these vivid lizards were threatened by habitat loss and predators. Conservation efforts brought them back from just a handful of individuals in the wild. Grand Cayman now has an iconic reptile to represent its island paradise thanks to these blue iguanas.
Blue Rainbow Lizard
This aptly named lizard lives in the mountaintops of Costa Rica and Panama. While the females appear rather ordinary grey and brown, the males look anything but average. Just like a rainbow, they display shades of red, orange, blue, yellow, turquoise, purple and pink! Pretty crazy, right? These brilliant colours form bands across their bodies, with each lizard having a unique pattern and colour combination.
They really live up to the ‘rainbow’ name. Researchers think this explosion of colour evolved to help competing males identify and challenge each other from a distance. Nothing says “bring it on” like a big, showy rainbow lizard!
Blue Tree Monitor
Slinking up trees in Australia’s Cape York Peninsula, you might spot the gorgeous blue tree monitor. With piercing turquoise eyes, claws, and stripes down its powder blue body, this lizard is a real stunner. The striking blue provides the perfect camouflage within the rainforest canopy.
From the ground, it’s nearly impossible to spot amongst all the leaves and sky peeking through. Growing up to 5 feet long, this monitor feasts on birds, eggs, smaller lizards and small mammals. It’s a strong climber and uses its long claws and tail to grip branches. With its blue colouring and climbing skills, this monitor reminds us of a reptilian Spiderman!
Tokay Gecko
Next up is the vocal tokay gecko, native to Southeast Asia but has also become an invasive lizard in Hawaii. You’ll hear these geckos before you ever see them! Their loud “gecko-gecko” calls loudly echo through the forest. Males have greyish blue spots speckled on an azure blue body. This colouration helps them blend into the rainy tropical environment. They also have striking red markings on their legs and head.
Why so colourful? Well, it’s thought the red indicates dominance and scares off competing males. And those brilliant blue spots help camouflage them in the treetops. So keep an ear out for their loud calls, and you might spot these gorgeous geckos.
Blue Anole
The blue anole is a tiny lizard from Central America and a popular pet. But don’t be fooled by its small size – it has a massive attitude! Males can rapidly change their colours from brown to vivid green to turquoise blue.
This signals their mood and breeding status to others. Dark brown means he’s stressed, bright green indicates he’s looking for mates, and electric blue means back off – this territory is taken!
The blue anole is territorial and does push-ups to show off his colours and intimidate rivals. He’ll even attack his own reflection, thinking it’s an intruder! You can’t help but admire the little guy’s fiery spirit.
Blue Panther Chameleon
Finally, we have the magnificent panther chameleon. Native to Madagascar, it’s arguably the most colourful chameleon around. It can morph between shades of neon blue, turquoise, mint green and sky blue. Add in orange and red highlights, blue eyes, and crazy horns – this lizard looks unreal!
The bright contrasting colours announce its territory and attract females. And check out its expanded blue chin pouch – that’s one handsome fellow! He’s not aggressive with that vivid blue signalling. It is just showing off. The panther chameleon steals the show with colour-changing abilities that put other lizards to shame. What a dazzling display!
Blue Racer
The blue racer is a species of colubrid snake found across the United States and Canada. As their name suggests, these snakes are known for their distinctive blueish-grey colouration and rapid speed. The shades of blue can range from deep indigo to bright sky blue. This colouration acts as camouflage in open areas like grasslands or meadows.
Racers will often flee quickly to nearby cover if approached – hence the name “racer.” Though nonvenomous, blue racers will bite aggressively if threatened and emit a foul musk. But despite their reclusive nature, their brilliant blue hue makes racers one of the most beautiful snakes in North America. So, if you’re lucky enough to spot one, admire its shiny scales from a distance!