When does a Lizard shed its Tail?

A lizard is capable of shedding its tail at any time. If a lizard is attacked it may sacrifice its tail in an attempt to surprise and confuse the enemy.

When a lizard's tail is caught by an assailant or a trap, it will simply snap off and enable the reptile to escape.

Although some lizards' tails can be four times as long as the rest of their bodies, the loss in only temporary. A new tail can be grown quickly from the old stump.