Many snakes eat lizards. Kingsnakes, racers, coachwhips, whipsnakes, some rat snakes and many tropical species all include lizards in their diet, and a few specialize in them. Snakes do not detect lizards by “heat vision,” though: some pit-bearing snakes can sense warmth, but most lizard-eaters use sight and smell.
Snakes That Commonly Eat Lizards
- Racers and coachwhips: fast, daytime hunters that run down lizards and other small animals. See what blue racers eat.
- Kingsnakes and milk snakes: eat lizards, rodents, eggs and other snakes.
- Rat snakes: mostly rodents and birds, but young ones often take lizards and frogs. See what rat snakes eat.
- Whipsnakes and patch-nosed snakes: active desert hunters that go after lizards.
- Tropical vine snakes and tree snakes: many eat lizards such as anoles and geckos.
- Coral snakes: some species eat lizards and other snakes.
How Snakes Catch Lizards
Hunting methods vary. Fast snakes chase lizards by sight. Ambush hunters wait for a lizard to come close and strike. Constrictors such as young kingsnakes squeeze their prey. Many lizards can drop their tails to escape, which is why a snake may end up with only the tail.
Common Myths
- “Snakes only eat mice.” Not true. Diet depends on the species and age.
- “Snakes find prey by heat.” Only pit vipers, pythons and some boas have heat-sensing pits. Most snakes use smell, sight and vibrations.
- “Glass lizards are snakes.” Glass lizards look like snakes, but they have eyelids and ear openings and are lizards.
Feeding Lizard-Eating Snakes in Captivity
Pet kingsnakes, racers and similar snakes can usually be switched to pinky and fuzzy mice. Don’t feed live or wild-caught lizards, which can carry parasites and may be protected by law. When a snake is picky, scenting a pinky with a lizard can help; see our guide to feeding baby rat snakes for the technique.
Bottom Line
Snakes that eat lizards include racers, kingsnakes, whipsnakes, many tropical tree snakes and young rat snakes. Most pet species can be moved to rodents with a little patience.
For any pet snake that is refusing food, a reptile vet can help.
