Fun Facts

• This species’ common name comes from their similarity in appearance to caimans, relatives of alligators. Not only do they have a semiaquatic lifestyle, but they are also designed with powerful jaws, raised scutes along their backs, and laterally flattened tails.
• Like snakes, whiptail lizards have long, forked tongues that they use to collect scents. They then press their tongues to the Jacobson’s organs on the roofs of their mouths to be interpreted.
• Caiman lizards are excellent swimmers and climbers and often bask on branches overhanging water for quick escapes. Clear third eyelids act as goggles underwater.
• They specialize in hunting snails with their powerful jaws. They will crush shells with their strong back teeth and then spit the shell pieces out. They have even been seen hunting Amazon River turtles.
• These lizards are smart, can solve problems, and recognize people.