If you’ve ever seen a lizard drop its tail and scurry away, you might have wondered about this amazing ability. Lizards can lose their tails when threatened by predators and grow completely new ones. It’s one of nature’s coolest defense tricks. But how long does it take for a lizard tail to grow back?
Most lizards can regrow their tails in about 60 to 90 days, though the exact time varies by species, age, and health. Smaller lizards like geckos and anoles usually regrow their tails faster (around 2 months), while larger species like iguanas can take 6 months to a year. The new tail won’t be exactly like the original, but it works just fine.
The process of growing a new tail is called regeneration, and it’s pretty complex.
The lizard has to rebuild bones, muscles, nerves, skin, and scales from scratch. Some species are better at this than others.
How Does Tail Regeneration Actually Work?
When a lizard drops its tail, it doesn’t just fall off randomly. The tail has special breaking points called fracture planes, built into the vertebrae (the bones in the tail).
These weak spots allow the tail to break cleanly without much bleeding.
After the tail drops, cells at the wound site start to change. They become what scientists call stem cells, which are cells that can turn into any type of tissue the body needs.
This is how the lizard can rebuild all the different parts of a tail.
The lizard grows a cartilage rod instead of actual bone vertebrae in the new tail.
Cartilage is the same flexible material you have in your nose and ears. It’s not as strong as bone, but it’s easier for the body to make quickly.
Around this cartilage rod, the lizard builds new muscles, blood vessels, nerves, and skin.
The whole process happens in stages, with the basic structure forming first and details like scales coming later.
Research shows that lizards can activate special genes during tail regeneration that are normally only active during embryo development. This is what allows them to rebuild such complex structures as adults.
What Does the Regeneration Timeline Look Like?
The regeneration process happens in several stages, and you can actually see the progress if you watch a lizard that’s lost its tail.
In the first few days after losing the tail, the wound closes over and healing begins. You’ll see a small stub where the tail used to be.
The lizard might be a bit less active during this time.
After about 1 to 2 weeks, you’ll notice a small bump forming at the end of the stub. This is the beginning of the new tail. It might look like a little nub or cone shape.
By 3 to 4 weeks, the new tail is clearly growing. It’s still short, but you can see it getting longer.
The tail will be smooth at first, without the detailed scales of the original.
At 6 to 8 weeks, the tail is much longer and starting to look more like a normal tail. Scales are forming, though they might not match the original pattern exactly.
By 8 to 12 weeks (2 to 3 months), most small to medium-sized lizards will have a functional tail that’s close to full length.
It might still be a bit different in color or pattern from the rest of the body.
How Long Does It Take for Different Lizard Species to Regrow Their Tails?
Different lizard species regrow their tails at different speeds. Here’s a breakdown of common species and their typical regeneration times:
| Lizard Species | Average Regeneration Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Leopard Gecko | 2-3 months | New tail often shorter and bulkier than original |
| Crested Gecko | Cannot regenerate | One of the few lizard species that can’t regrow tails |
| Green Anole | 6-8 weeks | Fast regeneration, new tail very similar to original |
| Brown Anole | 6-8 weeks | Similar to green anole, quick regrowth |
| Blue-Tailed Skink | 2-3 months | Juvenile’s new tail may not have the bright blue color |
| Five-Lined Skink | 2-3 months | New tail often darker than original |
| Mediterranean House Gecko | 2-3 months | Multiple regenerations possible over lifetime |
| Green Iguana | 6-12 months | Slower due to larger size, may take over a year |
| Bearded Dragon | 3-6 months | Regeneration ability varies by individual |
| Blue-Tongued Skink | 4-6 months | Slower regeneration, new tail noticeably different |
| Basilisk Lizard | 3-4 months | Good regeneration, but new tail slightly shorter |
| Curly-Tail Lizard | 2-3 months | Quick regrowth, tail remains curled |
| Fence Lizard | 6-10 weeks | Fast regeneration in younger lizards |
| Alligator Lizard | 3-4 months | New tail often has different scale pattern |
The times in this table are averages. Individual lizards might regrow their tails faster or slower depending on their age, health, diet, and living conditions.
Does Age Affect How Fast a Tail Grows Back?
Yes, age makes a big difference in how quickly a lizard can regrow its tail. Younger lizards are much better at regeneration than older ones.
Baby and juvenile lizards can regrow their tails in as little as 3 to 6 weeks. Their bodies are already in growth mode, so adding a new tail isn’t as much of a challenge.
Adult lizards in their prime (usually 2 to 5 years old, depending on species) take the average time, usually 2 to 4 months for most species.
Older lizards might take twice as long or even longer to regrow their tails. Some very old lizards might not regrow a full tail at all, ending up with just a short stub.
This is because younger animals have more active stem cells and faster cell division.
As lizards age, their bodies slow down in all processes, including healing and regeneration.
If you have a pet lizard that loses its tail, its age is one of the factors your vet will consider when giving you a timeline for regrowth.
What Factors Speed Up or Slow Down Tail Regrowth?
Several things can affect how fast a lizard regrows its tail. Some you can control (if it’s a pet), and some you can’t.
- Diet and nutrition: A lizard needs extra protein and calcium to build a new tail. Well-fed lizards with good nutrition regrow tails faster than malnourished ones. If your pet lizard loses its tail, make sure it’s getting high-quality food.
- Temperature: Lizards are cold-blooded, so their body processes depend on temperature. Lizards kept at optimal temperatures for their species regrow tails faster than those that are too cold or too hot.
- Stress levels: A stressed lizard puts energy into survival rather than healing. Calm, comfortable lizards regrow tails faster than stressed ones.
- Overall health: A healthy lizard with no other injuries or illnesses can focus its energy on tail regeneration. Sick or injured lizards might take much longer.
- Number of previous losses: Some lizards can drop and regrow their tails multiple times, but each time takes a bit longer. The regeneration ability weakens with repeated use.
- Species-specific factors: Some lizards are just naturally better at regeneration than others. It’s built into their genetics.
Is the New Tail Exactly Like the Original?
No, the regenerated tail is never quite the same as the original. You can usually tell the difference if you look closely.
The most obvious difference is the internal structure. The original tail has proper bone vertebrae, while the new tail has a cartilage rod.
This makes the new tail slightly less flexible and less strong.
The scales on the new tail often look different. They might be smaller, have a different pattern, or be a slightly different color.
Sometimes the new tail is smoother than the original.
The new tail is often shorter than the original, especially in larger lizards. It might also be thicker or thinner, depending on the species.
Some lizards lose distinctive markings on their new tails. For example, blue-tailed skinks might regrow a tail that’s brown instead of bright blue.
Despite these differences, the new tail works just fine for balance, movement, and fat storage. Lizards with regenerated tails can live completely normal lives.
The new tail can also be dropped again if needed. The lizard can keep using this defense mechanism even with a regenerated tail.
Can a Lizard Regrow Its Tail Multiple Times?
Yes, most lizards can drop and regrow their tails multiple times throughout their lives. However, there are limits to this ability.
Each time a lizard drops its tail, the regeneration gets a bit slower and the new tail might not be as good quality.
After several regenerations, the tail might only grow back as a small stub.
Some lizards in the wild have been found with multiple regeneration sites on their tails. This happens when the tail breaks off at different points at different times, creating a branched or lumpy appearance.
The ability to regenerate multiple times depends on the species and the individual lizard’s health. Younger, healthier lizards can regenerate more times than older or unhealthy ones.
In captivity, it’s best to prevent your pet lizard from dropping its tail in the first place. While they can regrow it, the process uses a lot of energy and resources that the lizard could use for other things.
What Should You Do If Your Pet Lizard Loses Its Tail?
If your pet lizard drops its tail, don’t panic. This is a natural defense mechanism, and the lizard will be fine.
First, remove the dropped tail from the enclosure. The tail will keep moving for several minutes (this distracts predators in the wild), but it’s dead tissue and should be thrown away.
Check the wound site on your lizard. There should be minimal bleeding. If there’s a lot of blood, contact your vet.
Usually, the break is clean and stops bleeding quickly.
Keep the enclosure extra clean during the healing and regeneration period. Change the substrate more often to prevent infection. You might want to use paper towels instead of loose substrate for a few weeks.
Make sure your lizard has access to good nutrition. Offer high-quality protein and calcium supplements. Your lizard needs extra resources to build a new tail.
Don’t handle your lizard too much during the first few weeks. Let it rest and focus on healing. Stress can slow down regeneration.
Watch for signs of infection like swelling, redness, or discharge at the wound site. If you notice any of these, take your lizard to a vet who specializes in reptiles.
Why Did My Lizard Drop Its Tail?
Understanding why your lizard dropped its tail can help you prevent it from happening again. In the wild, lizards drop their tails to escape predators. The wiggling tail distracts the predator while the lizard runs away.
In captivity, common reasons for tail dropping include rough handling, being grabbed by the tail, fights with other lizards, or getting the tail caught in something.
Sometimes lizards drop their tails when they’re very stressed or scared. Loud noises, sudden movements, or being cornered can trigger tail loss.
If your pet lizard drops its tail, think about what might have scared it. Was there a loud noise? Did you grab it too quickly? Was it fighting with a tank mate?
Once you figure out the cause, you can work to prevent it in the future. Handle your lizard gently, give it plenty of hiding spots, and keep its environment calm and quiet.
Do All Lizards Regrow Their Tails?
Most lizards can regrow their tails, but not all of them. This ability is most common in smaller lizard species like geckos, skinks, and anoles.
Some lizards have limited regeneration abilities. They might regrow a small stub but not a full tail. Larger species like monitors and some iguanas fall into this category.
A few lizard species can’t regrow their tails at all. Crested geckos are a well-known example. If a crested gecko loses its tail, it’s gone forever. The wound will heal, but no new tail will grow.
Chameleons have limited regeneration ability. They might grow a small stub, but it won’t look or function like the original tail.
Interestingly, some lizard species don’t drop their tails easily in the first place. Their tails are more firmly attached and are used for gripping or balance in ways that make them too important to lose.
The ability to regenerate tails is thought to have evolved separately in different lizard groups. This is why some species can do it well while others can’t do it at all.
FAQs About Lizard Tail Growth
How long does it take for lizards to regrow their tails?
It depends on the species, age, and health of the lizard. Small lizards like anoles can regrow tails in 2–3 months, while larger lizards like leopard geckos may take 6–12 months.
Will the new tail look exactly like the old one?
Usually not. The regenerated tail may be shorter, differently colored, or made of cartilage instead of bone, but it still serves many of the same functions.
Can lizards regrow tails multiple times?
Yes, some lizards can regrow their tails more than once. Each regeneration may produce a tail that looks slightly different from the previous one.
Does losing a tail hurt a lizard?
Lizards don’t feel pain in the tail itself when it drops because the tail has fracture planes and specialized nerves that minimize pain. However, losing a tail is stressful and energetically costly.
How can I help my pet lizard regrow its tail faster?
Keep it healthy and stress-free, provide a proper diet, maintain the right temperature and humidity, and avoid handling it too much while it’s healing.
Conclusion
Most lizards can regrow their tails in about 2 to 3 months, though the exact time depends on the species, age, and health of the lizard. Small species like geckos and anoles are fast, while large species like iguanas can take 6 months to a year.
The new tail won’t be exactly like the original. It will have cartilage instead of bone, and the scales might look a bit different. But it works just fine for the lizard’s needs.
If your pet lizard loses its tail, provide good nutrition, keep the enclosure clean, and minimize stress. The tail will grow back on its own.
Watch for signs of infection and contact a reptile vet if you’re concerned.
Understanding tail regeneration helps you appreciate this amazing ability and take better care of your pet lizard if it ever happens.
Hi, my name is Ezra Mushala, i have been interested animals all my life. I am the main author and editor here at snakeinformer.com.