Reptiles That Consume Soil

• Lizards are just one type of reptile that consumes soil.Design Pics/Valueline/Getty Images
  
  The consumption of soil, or geophagy, has been widely observed in many animal species, including humans. Scientists believe animals receive a range of health benefits from the practice of geophagy, including access to minerals and healthy bacteria in the soil and consumption of grit to enhance digestive activity. Scientists are still unclear whether soil consumption in reptiles is an intentional or accidental practice, but have observed several species of reptile that presented with sand, soil and small stones in their intestinal tracts.
  
  

Red Tegu -- Tupinambis rufescens

• Tegus are a genus of lizard native to South America. There are 7 species in the genus. the Red Tegu is the only one of the 7 that is herbivorous.
  
  

Western Blue-Tongued Lizard -- Tiliqua occipitalis

• This reptile is a member of the largest and most diverse group of lizards, the skinks. It is one of six species of blue-tongued lizards native to Australia.
  
  

Desert Tortoise -- Gopherus agassizii

• This tortoise species is native to the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts and feeds on grasses, cacti, herbs and wildflowers. This reptile consumes soil as a means to access calcium in its dry environment.
  
  

Hermann's Tortoise -- Testudo hermanni

• Three subspecies of this tortoise exist: Western Hermann's Tortoise, Eastern Hermann's Tortoise and Dalmation Tortoise. The Western tortoise is found in the Mediterranean countries of Western Europe including Spain, France, Sardinia and Corsica. The Eastern tortoise is found in Romania, Bulgaria, Albania and Macedonia. The Dalmation tortoise is found in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro.
  
  

American Alligator -- Alligator mississippiensis

• The American Alligator, or "gator," is native to the Southeastern United States. It is one of only two species of alligator in the world.
  
  

Western Box Turtle -- Terrapene ornata

• This species of North American Box Turtle is native to the central United States.
  
  

Eastern Fence Lizard -- Sceloporus undulatus

• This small, gray to brown lizard lives in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States.