Have you ever wondered about the intriguing world of reptiles that start with the letter Y? Wonder no more, you have come to the right place.
In this article, I will take a closer look at some of the most remarkable reptiles whose names begin with Y and explore the wonders they bring to our planet.
So, without further ado, let’s dive right into the enchanting world of letter Y reptiles together!
Reptiles That Start With Y
The followings are some reptiles that begin with the letter Y (In alphabetical order). Also note that this list includes a mix of snakes, lizards, turtles, and other reptiles.
1. Yaqui Blackhead Snake:
The Yaqui Blackhead Snake, scientifically known as Tantilla yaquia, is a small and slender snake commonly found in Mexico. With its distinctive black head, this non-venomous snake poses no threat to humans and primarily preys on insects and other small invertebrates.
2. Yautepec Tropical Night Lizard:
Known as Lepidophyma flavimaculatum, the Yautepec Tropical Night Lizard is a nocturnal species found in Central America. It prefers a secretive lifestyle and is well-adapted for climbing trees and walls due to its specialized toe pads.
3. Yellow Anaconda:
The Yellow Anaconda, scientifically referred to as Eunectes notaeus, is one of the largest snakes in the world. Although not as massive as its Green Anaconda relative, it is still a formidable predator, relying on its constriction abilities to subdue prey.
4. Yellow Gecko:
As the name suggests, the Yellow Gecko is characterized by its vibrant yellow coloration. These small, agile lizards belong to the genus Gonatodes and are native to South America, where they inhabit tropical rainforests.
5. Yellow Lipped Scalyfoot:
Also known as Pygopus lepidopodus, the Yellow Lipped Scalyfoot is a unique lizard species found in Australia. Its distinct yellow lower lip distinguishes it from other members of the Pygopodidae family.
6. Yellow Margined Box Turtle:
The Yellow Margined Box Turtle (Cuora flavomarginata) is a semi-aquatic turtle native to East Asia. Its captivating appearance, with yellow lines along the edges of its shell, makes it a sought-after species in the pet trade.
7. Yellow Monitor:
The Yellow Monitor (Varanus flavescens) is a monitor lizard species inhabiting the island of Timor in Southeast Asia. This diurnal reptile is an excellent climber and can often be found basking in the sun.
8. Yellow Monitor Lizard:
The Yellow Monitor Lizard, scientifically known as Varanus melinus, is another monitor lizard species found in Indonesia. It is distinguished by its yellow coloration and exhibits typical monitor lizard behavior.
9. Yellow Mud Turtle:
Kinosternon flavescens, commonly known as the Yellow Mud Turtle, is a small aquatic turtle native to North America. It prefers slow-moving, muddy waters and has a relatively mild temperament.
10. Yellow-backed Spiny Lizard:
The Yellow-backed Spiny Lizard, or Sceloporus uniformis, is a lizard species native to Mexico. It is notable for its spiky appearance and prefers arid habitats.
11. Yellow-banded Poison Dart Frog:
The Yellow-banded Poison Dart Frog (Dendrobates leucomelas) is a strikingly colored amphibian found in Venezuela and some neighboring countries. As with many brightly colored frogs, its vivid appearance serves as a warning to potential predators about its toxic skin secretions.
12. Yellow-bellied House Gecko:
Hemidactylus flaviviridis, commonly known as the Yellow-bellied House Gecko, is an insectivorous lizard that often finds its way into human habitation. Its ability to climb walls and ceilings makes it a skilled hunter of insects inside homes.
13. Yellow-bellied Kingsnake:
Lampropeltis calligaster is a non-venomous snake species found in the southeastern United States. Its name comes from the yellow coloration on its belly, and it is known for its varied diet, which includes other snakes.
14. Yellow-bellied Sea Snake:
The Yellow-bellied Sea Snake (Hydrophis platurus) is a highly venomous marine reptile found in tropical oceanic waters. Remarkably, it gives birth to live young at sea.
15. Yellow-bellied Slider:
Trachemys scripta scripta, also known as the Yellow-bellied Slider, is a subspecies of pond slider turtle. It is popular in the pet trade and can be recognized by the striking yellow markings on its lower shell.
16. Yellowbelly House Snake:
The Yellowbelly House Snake (Lamprophis fuscus) is a small, harmless snake species native to Southern Africa. It is often found in and around human dwellings, where it preys on rodents and insects.
17. Yellowbelly Mud Turtle:
The Yellowbelly Mud Turtle (Kinosternon flavescens) is the same species as mentioned earlier, known for its yellow coloration and preference for muddy waters.
18. Yellow-blotched Map Turtle:
The Yellow-blotched Map Turtle (Graptemys flavimaculata) is a species of river turtle found in the southeastern United States. Its carapace displays intricate yellow patterns.
19. Yellow-blotched Palm Pit Viper:
Bothriechis aurifer, commonly referred to as the Yellow-blotched Palm Pit Viper, is a venomous snake native to Central America. It is often found in trees and shrubs.
20. Yellow-crowned Gecko:
The Yellow-crowned Gecko, scientifically known as Gehyra mutilata, is a small lizard species found in various parts of the world, including Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands.
21. Yellow-eyed Ensatina:
Ensatina eschscholtzii xanthoptica, commonly known as the Yellow-eyed Ensatina, is a subspecies of the Plethodontid salamander found in California. It gets its name from its striking yellow eyes.
22. Yellow-faced Whip Snake:
Ahaetulla prasina, or the Yellow-faced Whip Snake, is a slender, arboreal snake species found in South and Southeast Asia. Its coloration provides excellent camouflage among green foliage.
23. Yellow-footed Tortoise:
Geochelone denticulata, commonly known as the Yellow-footed Tortoise, is a large turtle species found in South America. As it matures, its shell develops an intricate pattern.
24. Yellow-headed Box Turtle:
The Yellow-headed Box Turtle, scientifically known as Cuora aurocapitata, is a critically endangered species found in China. Its brightly colored head sets it apart from other box turtles.
25. Yellow-headed Temple Turtle:
Heosemys annandalii, or the Yellow-headed Temple Turtle, is a species native to Southeast Asia. Unfortunately, it faces threats due to habitat destruction and the pet trade.
26. Yellow-headed Water Monitor:
The Yellow-headed Water Monitor (Varanus cumingi) is a monitor lizard species native to the Philippines. Its name refers to the yellow markings on its head.
27. Yellow-lined Centipede Snake:
The Yellow-lined Centipede Snake (Tantilla coronata) is a small, non-venomous snake found in Central and South America. It preys on centipedes and other small invertebrates.
28. Yellow-lipped Green Pit Viper:
Trimeresurus fucatus, commonly known as the Yellow-lipped Green Pit Viper, is a venomous snake found in Southeast Asia. Its green coloration with yellow lips is an attractive sight for herpetology enthusiasts.
29. Yellow-lipped Sea Krait:
Laticauda colubrina, also known as the Yellow-lipped Sea Krait, is a marine reptile found in tropical waters. Its venomous bite is potent but rarely poses a threat to humans.
30. Yellow Pond Turtle:
The Yellow Pond Turtle, scientifically known as Mauremys mutica, is a turtle species native to East Asia. It is often kept as a pet due to its relatively small size and peaceful nature.
31. Yellow-sided Skimmer:
The Yellow-sided Skimmer (Nathalis iole) is a species of butterfly found in the neotropical regions of the Americas. Though not a reptile, its inclusion in this list showcases the diversity of the animal kingdom.
32. Yellow-spotted Amazon River Turtle:
Podocnemis unifilis, commonly known as the Yellow-spotted Amazon River Turtle, is a species found in South America’s Amazon Basin. Its population has significantly declined due to overhunting.
33. Yellow-spotted Monitor:
Varanus panoptes, or the Yellow-spotted Monitor, is a large lizard species found in northern Australia. Its name refers to the yellow markings on its body.
34. Yellow-spotted River Turtle:
The Yellow-spotted River Turtle (Podocnemis unifilis) is the same species as previously mentioned and is known for the yellow spots on its shell.
35. Yellow-spotted Spiny Lizard:
The Yellow-spotted Spiny Lizard (Sceloporus variabilis) is a species found in Mexico. It is known for its spiky appearance and unique color patterns.
36. Yellow-striped Brush Lizard:
Hoplocercus spinosus, commonly known as the Yellow-striped Brush Lizard, is a species found in Central America. It exhibits diurnal behavior and is often seen basking in the sun.
37. Yellow-striped Reed Snake:
The Yellow-striped Reed Snake (Calamophis rupestris) is a non-venomous snake species native to North America. It prefers habitats with abundant vegetation, such as marshes and reed beds.
38. Yellow-tailed Cribo:
Drymarchon corais, commonly known as the Yellow-tailed Cribo, is a non-venomous snake species found in the Americas. It is an agile predator, known for its climbing abilities.
39. Yellow-tailed Woolly Monkey Lizard:
The Yellow-tailed Woolly Monkey Lizard (Mona woolly monkey) is not a reptile but a primate native to South America. Its inclusion in this list highlights the importance of diverse ecosystems.
40. Yellow-throated Longtail:
Tachymenis chilensis, or the Yellow-throated Longtail, is a snake species found in South America. It is named after the yellow coloration on its throat.
41. Yellow-throated Plated Lizard:
Gerrhosaurus flavigularis, commonly known as the Yellow-throated Plated Lizard, is a reptile found in southern Africa. Its throat displays a striking yellow hue.
42. Yinnietharra Dragon:
Ctenophorus yinnietharra, or the Yinnietharra Dragon, is a small agamid lizard species found in Western Australia. Males are adorned with striking patterns during the breeding season.
43. Yucatan Banded Gecko:
The Yucatan Banded Gecko, scientifically known as Coleonyx elegans, is a small lizard found in Mexico. It is notable for its banded pattern and nocturnal habits.
44. Yucatecan Worm Snake:
Leptotyphlops yucatanensis, commonly known as the Yucatecan Worm Snake, is a non-venomous snake species found in Mexico and Central America. As its name suggests, it primarily feeds on small invertebrates.
45. Yuman Desert Fringe-toed Lizard:
Uma notata, or the Yuman Desert Fringe-toed Lizard, is a species native to the southwestern United States. It is well-adapted to sandy desert habitats.
46. Yunnan Box Turtle:
Cuora yunnanensis, commonly known as the Yunnan Box Turtle, is a turtle species found in China. Its unique appearance and docile nature make it a popular choice among turtle enthusiasts.
Hope you found this article about “reptiles that start with Y” informative and helpful.
Do you know any other reptiles that start with the letter Y, that didn’t make the list?
Feel free to leave a comment below with the missing reptiles and I’ll update the list as soon as possible.
And, if you are looking for other shapes that start with other letters, make sure to check my blog posts. Such as:
- Reptiles That Start With Letter Z
- Reptiles That Start With Letter A
- Reptiles That Start With Letter B
- Reptiles That Start With Letter C
