Squamates, also known as scaled reptiles, are the largest order of reptiles in the order Squamata, comprising lizards, snakes and amphisbaenians (worm lizards). With over 10,000 species, it is also the 2nd-largest order of extant (living) vertebrates, after the perciform fish, and roughly equal in number to the saurischians (1 of the 2 major groups of dinosaurs). Members of the order are distinguished by their skins, which bear horny scales or shields. They also possess movable quadrate bones, making it possible to move the upper jaw relative to the neurocranium. This is particularly visible in snakes, which are able to open their mouths very wide to accommodate comparatively large prey. Squamata is the most variably sized order of reptiles, ranging from the 16 millimeters (0.63 inches) dwarf gecko (Sphaerodactylus ariasae) to the 5.21 meters (17.1 feet) green anaconda (Eunectes murinus) and the now-extinct mosasaurs, which reached lengths of over 14 meters (46 feet).
Among other reptiles, squamates are most closely related to the tuatara, which superficially resembles lizards.
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Green Anaconda -
African Rock Python -
Gila Monster -
Western Diamondback Rattlesnake -
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Draco Lizard -
King Cobra
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