SQUAMATA- Snakes, Lizards 

Easily the largest order of reptiles squamata encompasses all species of snakes and lizards  This order is widespread occupying all continents except Antarctica . However the order reaches its highest diversity in tropical areas. With over 9000 species it is the second largest order of vertebrates with only the Perchiformes having more species. The members of Squamata have two defining characteristics: scaled skin and movable quadrate bone. This allows the upper jaw to move relative to the rest of the skull. This order contains all of the venomous reptiles. The order is divided into three suborders: the snakes- Serpentes, the lizards- Lacertilia and the worm lizards-Amphisbaenia