Squamata

Squamata, the largest reptile order, includes over 12,162 species. It belongs to the class Reptilia within the phylum Chordata. This order includes lizards and snakes, making it the largest order of reptiles.

Lizards are fascinating cold-blooded vertebrates within Squamata, sharing their classification with snakes. With around 7,000 species identified globally (Reptile Database, 2024), they are one of the most diverse vertebrate groups.

Snakes are elongated, limbless reptiles that belong to the suborder Serpentes within the order Squamata (which also includes lizards). With over 3,000 documented species, snakes exhibit a wide range of sizes, colors, habitats, and behaviors.