This list includes 40 Reptiles that start with C, from “Caiman lizard” to “Cuban rock iguana”. These reptiles range from small geckos to large crocodilians and are mostly tropical or subtropical species. You can use this list for field identification, species comparison, pet care basics, and conservation reference.

Reptiles that start with C are a diverse group of scaly, cold-blooded vertebrates whose common names begin with the letter C. Many, like the Cuban rock iguana, feature in conservation efforts and island-ecosystem stories.

Below you’ll find the table with Scientific name, Habitat and Average adult size (cm, measurement type).

Common name: The widely used English name you see in the field and literature, helpful for quick identification and searching.

Scientific name: The Latin binomial gives exact species identity, so you can match records and avoid confusion between similar common names.

Habitat: Short habitat notes show where each species lives, so you can focus field searches or understand ecological needs.

Average adult size: Typical adult length in cm, including the measurement type (total length, SVL, or carapace length) for accurate comparison.

Sources: The Reptile Database; IUCN Red List. Last updated: 2025-12-01.

Reptiles that start with C

Common nameScientific nameHabitatAverage adult size (cm)
Common wall lizardPodarcis muralistemperate rocky habitats, urban areas15–20 cm (TL)
Common snapping turtleChelydra serpentinafreshwater ponds, rivers30–45 cm (CL)
Common basiliskBasiliscus basiliscustropical forest edges, rivers60–70 cm (TL)
Common agamaAgama agamasavanna, rocky areas25–30 cm (TL)
Common chameleonChamaeleo chamaeleonMediterranean scrub, orchards20–30 cm (TL)
Common house geckoHemidactylus frenatusurban buildings, gardens8–12 cm (TL)
Common lizardZootoca viviparagrassland, heath, woodland12–20 cm (TL)
Common blue-tongued skinkTiliqua scincoideswoodland, grassland35–50 cm (TL)
Common musk turtleSternotherus odoratusslow freshwater, ponds8–13 cm (CL)
Common caimanCaiman crocodilusfreshwater rivers, swamps150–220 cm (TL)
Caiman lizardDracaena guianensisriparian tropical forests60–100 cm (TL)
Cuban rock iguanaCyclura nubilarocky coastal scrub, limestone60–100 cm (TL)
Cuban crocodileCrocodylus rhombiferfreshwater swamps, marshes200–250 cm (TL)
Corn snakePantherophis guttatusforests, fields, abandoned buildings100–180 cm (TL)
CoachwhipMasticophis flagellumopen scrub, grassland100–150 cm (TL)
Cape cobraNaja niveasavanna, arid shrublands100–200 cm (TL)
Common garter snakeThamnophis sirtalismeadows, wetlands, gardens40–90 cm (TL)
Checkered garter snakeThamnophis marcianusgrasslands, near water60–120 cm (TL)
Common chuckwallaSauromalus aterrocky deserts and lava flows20–30 cm (SVL)
Common kraitBungarus caeruleusfields, near water, human areas100–150 cm (TL)
CopperheadAgkistrodon contortrixwoodland, rocky areas, riparian60–90 cm (TL)
Central bearded dragonPogona vitticepsarid woodlands, scrub30–50 cm (TL)
Common tree snakeDendrelaphis punctulatusforests, woodlands, arboreal100–140 cm (TL)
Cape dwarf chameleonBradypodion pumilumfynbos, gardens, shrubland10–15 cm (SVL)
Common house snakeBoaedon fuliginosushouses, savanna, agricultural areas60–100 cm (TL)
Caspian turtleMauremys caspicafreshwater ponds, marshes near Caspian region20–30 cm (CL)
Caspian whipsnakeDolichophis caspiussteppes, open woodland120–160 cm (TL)
Colombian rainbow boaEpicrates maurushumid forests, riverine areas120–150 cm (TL)
Collared lizardCrotaphytus collarisrocky deserts, arid plains25–35 cm (TL)
Carpet pythonMorelia spilotarainforest, woodland, urban fringes200–300 cm (TL)
Chinese water dragonPhysignathus cocincinusriparian tropical forests60–90 cm (TL)
Carolina anoleAnolis carolinensistrees, shrubs, urban gardens12–20 cm (TL)
Crocodile skinkTribolonotus gracilismoist forest floor, leaf litter15–18 cm (TL)
Crested geckoCorrelophus ciliatushumid forest canopy12–17 cm (TL)
Chinese softshell turtlePelodiscus sinensisfreshwater rivers, ponds25–40 cm (CL)
Cuban boaChilabothrus anguliferforests, caves, plantations200–300 cm (TL)
Carpet viperEchis carinatusarid and semi-arid areas60–90 cm (TL)
Common garden skinkLampropholis guichenotigardens, leaf litter, grassland8–12 cm (TL)
Cuban knight anoleAnolis equestristrees, parks, suburban areas30–40 cm (TL)
Crocodile monitorVaranus salvadoriirainforest canopy, riparian zones240–300 cm (TL)

Descriptions

Common wall lizard
Native to Europe and invasive in parts of North America; agile climber with varied color morphs, often seen on walls and rocks.
Common snapping turtle
Large North American freshwater turtle known for a powerful bite and strong defensive behavior; common in ponds and slow rivers.
Common basilisk
Jesus Christ lizard that can run on water; long-crested, fast-moving and often seen near streams in Central and South America.
Common agama
Widespread African lizard; males develop bright orange or red heads during breeding season and bask on rocks and walls.
Common chameleon
Also called Mediterranean chameleon; feeds with a long sticky tongue, changes color for signaling, found in N. Africa and Mediterranean.
Common house gecko
Nocturnal, prolific gecko often found on walls and lights across the tropics; invasive in many regions and helps control insects.
Common lizard
Widespread across Europe and Asia; notable for giving birth to live young in cooler areas and for variable coloration.
Common blue-tongued skink
Large, docile Australian skink with a bright blue tongue used to deter predators; popular in captivity.
Common musk turtle
Small North American turtle that emits a strong musky odor when threatened; often tucked-in head and domed shell.
Common caiman
Also called spectacled caiman; adaptable crocodylian widespread in Central and South America, generally smaller than true crocodiles.
Caiman lizard
Semi-aquatic, heavily armored lizard with a laterally flattened tail; specialized snail and crustacean eater.
Cuban rock iguana
Herbivorous iguana endemic to Cuba; large, territorial, and threatened by habitat loss and invasive predators.
Cuban crocodile
Critically endangered, endemic to Cuba; stocky and aggressive with a restricted, protected range.
Corn snake
Colorful, nonvenomous North American constrictor popular in the pet trade for its patterns and docile nature.
Coachwhip
Long, slender, fast diurnal snake known for a whip-like tail and keen eyesight; active hunter across varied habitats.
Cape cobra
Highly venomous African cobra with variable coloration; significant medical importance across its range.
Common garter snake
Widespread North American snake, highly variable in pattern; tolerates human habitats and feeds on amphibians and fish.
Checkered garter snake
Distinct checkered pattern; common in the southwestern USA and Mexico, often found near aquatic prey.
Common chuckwalla
Stout, herbivorous desert lizard that wedges into crevices and inflates its body to deter predators; native to SW North America.
Common krait
Nocturnal and highly venomous Asian krait; neurotoxic venom makes bites medically serious; secretive behavior.
Copperhead
Venomous pit viper of eastern North America with a distinctive hourglass pattern for camouflage.
Central bearded dragon
Often called the bearded dragon; popular pet that displays a dark “beard” and body flattening for communication and thermoregulation.
Common tree snake
Slender, diurnal arboreal snake from Australia; fast-moving predator of frogs, lizards and small birds.
Cape dwarf chameleon
Small chameleon endemic to South Africa’s Cape region; adapts to gardens if native vegetation remains.
Common house snake
Nonvenomous, generally docile African snake often found around homes where it controls rodents.
Caspian turtle
Semi-aquatic turtle around the Caspian basin; variable shell patterns and locally threatened by habitat change.
Caspian whipsnake
Large, fast-moving snake of SE Europe and W Asia; diurnal hunter of rodents, birds, and lizards.
Colombian rainbow boa
Nocturnal constrictor with iridescent sheen on scales; native to northern South America and sought by hobbyists.
Collared lizard
Also called eastern collared lizard; bold markings, large head and the ability to sprint bipedally across rocks.
Carpet python
Large patterned python from Australia and New Guinea; variable appearance by region and common in captivity.
Chinese water dragon
Arboreal, semi-aquatic bright-green lizard from SE Asia; popular pet, excellent climber and swimmer.
Carolina anole
Also called green anole; small arboreal lizard of the southeastern US that can change color and display a dewlap.
Crocodile skink
Small, armored-looking skink from New Guinea; secretive, often found near streams and under debris.
Crested gecko
Nocturnal arboreal gecko from New Caledonia; popular pet, can drop tail and has distinctive eyelash-like crests.
Chinese softshell turtle
Soft-shelled freshwater turtle common in East Asia; flexible shell and long nose, widely used in aquaculture.
Cuban boa
Large nonvenomous boa endemic to Cuba; powerful constrictor and important island predator.
Carpet viper
Also called saw-scaled viper in some regions; small but highly venomous and responsible for many human envenomations.
Common garden skink
Small, active Australian skink commonly seen in yards; quick, prolific, and useful for insect control.
Cuban knight anole
Large territorial anole from Cuba with a pronounced head casque; commonly seen in urban green spaces where introduced.
Crocodile monitor
Very large arboreal monitor from New Guinea with an extremely long tail; powerful predator often kept by specialists.
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