Here you’ll find 18 reptiles beginning with J, organized from “Jackson’s Chameleon” to “Jungle Carpet Python”. These Reptiles that start with J include snakes, lizards and turtles found worldwide and useful in education and pet keeping.
Reptiles that start with J are species whose common names begin with J, from small geckos to large pythons. Jackson’s Chameleon is a notable example, famous for horned males and frequent mention in pet literature.
Below you’ll find the table with Common name, Scientific name, Habitat, Average adult size (cm) and Measurement type.
Common name: The widely used English name helps you quickly identify species and match it to field guides or pet listings.
Scientific name: The Latin binomial gives precise identification and lets you find authoritative research and distribution details.
Habitat: Short habitat notes tell you where each species lives and help you place observations or captive needs in context.
Average adult size (cm): Typical adult measurements let you compare species and assess age or enclosure needs for pets.
Measurement type: Notes like “total length” or “SVL” explain how size was measured so you interpret numbers correctly.
Sources: The Reptile Database; IUCN Red List. Last updated: 2025-12-01.
Reptiles that start with J
| Common name | Scientific name | Habitat | Average adult size (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jackson’s Chameleon | Trioceros jacksonii | Montane forests and woodlands in East Africa | 20-30 cm (TL) |
| Javelin Sand Boa | Eryx jaculus | Arid scrublands, rocky slopes, and sandy areas | 40-60 cm (TL) |
| Javan Spitting Cobra | Naja sputatrix | Tropical forests, grasslands, and agricultural areas in Indonesia | 130 cm (TL) |
| Japanese Rat Snake | Elaphe climacophora | Forests, grasslands, and agricultural areas across Japan | 100-160 cm (TL) |
| Jerdon’s Pit Viper | Protobothrops jerdonii | Montane forests, grasslands, and shrublands in Asia | 60-95 cm (TL) |
| Javan File Snake | Acrochordus javanicus | Brackish estuaries, coastal mangroves, and freshwater rivers | 150-200 cm (TL) |
| Japanese Pond Turtle | Mauremys japonica | Freshwater ponds, streams, rivers, and marshes in Japan | 18 cm (CL) |
| Jungle Carpet Python | Morelia spilota cheynei | Tropical rainforests of northeastern Queensland, Australia | 150-210 cm (TL) |
| Jocotitlan Alligator Lizard | Abronia ochoterenai | High-altitude pine-oak forests in central Mexico | 10-12 cm (SVL) |
| Jamaican Boa | Chilabothrus subflavus | Wet and dry forests and agricultural lands across Jamaica | 200 cm (TL) |
| Jamaican Anole | Anolis grahami | Forests, gardens, and human-modified landscapes in Jamaica | 7-9 cm (SVL) |
| Jewelled Lacerta | Timon lepidus | Open woodlands, scrublands, and vineyards with rocky areas | 60-80 cm (TL) |
| Japanese Gecko | Gekko japonicus | Forests, urban areas, and human dwellings in East Asia | 6-8 cm (SVL) |
| Johnston’s Crocodile | Crocodylus johnsoni | Freshwater rivers, billabongs, and swamps in northern Australia | 250-300 cm (TL) |
| Jerdon’s Day Gecko | Cnemaspis jerdonii | Tropical forests and rocky outcrops in India and Sri Lanka | 4-5 cm (SVL) |
| Jameson’s Mamba | Dendroaspis jamesoni | Rainforests and woodlands across central and western Africa | 150-220 cm (TL) |
| Jumping Pitviper | Metlapilcoatlus nummifer | Humid tropical forests and coffee plantations in Central America | 40-60 cm (TL) |
| Jerdon’s Forest Lizard | Calotes jerdoni | Montane forests and shrublands in Southeast Asia | 10-12 cm (SVL) |
Descriptions
Jackson’s Chameleon
Famous for the male’s three prominent horns, resembling a miniature Triceratops. They are native to East Africa but have become an invasive species in places like Hawaii.
Javelin Sand Boa
A small, burrowing boa with a distinctive pointed snout used for digging. Found in southeastern Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, it ambushes small prey from the sand.
Javan Spitting Cobra
A highly venomous cobra from Indonesia capable of accurately spitting venom into a threat’s eyes as a defense mechanism. It primarily feeds on rodents, frogs, and lizards.
Japanese Rat Snake
A non-venomous snake native to Japan, known for its excellent climbing ability. An albino variety, considered a symbol of good fortune, is protected in Iwakuni, Japan.
Jerdon’s Pit Viper
A venomous pit viper found in high-altitude regions of India, Nepal, China, and Southeast Asia. It uses heat-sensing pits to detect warm-blooded prey in the cool mountain air.
Javan File Snake
A fully aquatic, non-venomous snake with unique, sandpaper-like skin for gripping slippery fish. Its loose, baggy skin gives it a very distinctive appearance in Southeast Asia.
Japanese Pond Turtle
A semi-aquatic turtle endemic to Japan. It is threatened by habitat loss and competition with invasive species like the red-eared slider. It is often seen basking on logs.
Jungle Carpet Python
A beautifully patterned semi-arboreal python from Australia, known for its striking black and bright yellow bands. They are popular in the pet trade for their vibrant colors.
Jocotitlan Alligator Lizard
A rare, tree-dwelling lizard known only from a small volcanic region in Mexico. It is critically endangered due to severe habitat loss from deforestation and agriculture.
Jamaican Boa
Jamaica’s largest native land predator, this non-venomous boa is threatened by habitat loss and introduced predators like mongooses. Conservation efforts are underway to protect this iconic snake.
Jamaican Anole
A common lizard in Jamaica, known for the male’s bright green body and vibrant orange-yellow throat fan (dewlap). It has been introduced to Bermuda, where it is now widespread.
Jewelled Lacerta
One of Europe’s largest lizards, named for the stunning blue “jewels” on its flanks. Found in Spain, Portugal, and parts of France, it’s a powerful predator of insects and small vertebrates.
Japanese Gecko
A common nocturnal gecko native to East Asia, often found on walls and ceilings in homes hunting for insects. It’s known for its ability to vocalize with chirps and clicks.
Johnston’s Crocodile
Also known as the Australian Freshwater Crocodile, this species has a characteristically narrow snout. It is generally considered less dangerous to humans than its saltwater relative.
Jerdon’s Day Gecko
A tiny, diurnal gecko from the Western Ghats of India and Sri Lanka. Its cryptic coloration allows it to blend in perfectly with tree bark and rocks while hunting small insects.
Jameson’s Mamba
A large, highly venomous, and agile arboreal snake. Despite its potent neurotoxic venom, it is typically shy and prefers to flee rather than confront threats in the forest canopy.
Jumping Pitviper
A stout-bodied venomous snake whose name comes from its defensive strike. It doesn’t actually jump but can strike with such force that its entire body may lift off the ground.
Jerdon’s Forest Lizard
A colorful agamid lizard found in the hills of Northeast India, Myanmar, and China. Males display vibrant breeding colors, including bright reds and blues, to attract mates.