Gender Differentiation

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If you keep more than one lizard of the same kind, and have some knowledge of your particular species in general, you always have the option of breeding them. Successful breeding can be difficult, and can only be done under exceptional living conditions. If successful, you can be satisfied that you have created the perfect habitat for your lizard. You should also take pride in the fact that you are aiding in keeping these beautiful creatures abundant in our world.

Gender

First off, you will obviously need a male and a female of the same species to successfully breed. Females need special attention to their care. If your female is already pregnant, changes to her environment can have drastic effects on her. It can affect her eating habits, drinking habits, mobility and can stress her enough so that she becomes egg-bound. You must also remember that some species of lizards are parthenogenetic, meaning the females can develop eggs without the sperm of a male. The eggs are not fertile, and will not develop offspring, but the circumstances and care of the female still needs to remain the same.

Male of Female?

With some species of lizards, it is easy to determine the sex of the animal. In many cases, external markings will differ between the sexes. They are more easily spotted when the lizard is mature. Spotting these differences between hatchlings and even some juveniles can be difficult. Many males of different species will grow different sizes of flaps or combs on their heads, throats, tails or on their backs. Many species will also be coloured differently between the sexes, with the males being much brighter and showing a wider range of colours. Preanal or femoral pores are more common with males, but some females have them as well. These pores are located around the base of the tail where the cloacal vent is located. If the female has these pores, they are far less distinctive. It is much easier to determine the sex if you have two lizards of the same age/size. You can also tell, though with more difficulty, from skull and tail sizes and shapes.