The Class Reptilia contains the following subclasses: Anapsida, Lepidosauria and Archosauria. The subclass Anapsida contains the Order Testudines (Chelonians). The Subclass Lepidosauria contains the Order Rynchocephalia (Tuataras) and the Order Squamata (saurians and ophidians). The subclass Archosauria contains the Order Crocodilia (crocodilians).

Identification of species and taxonomy are important for the understanding of physiology, anatomy and biology of species. Keeping up to date with the latest changes is very important and taxonomy is more fluid than ever due to advances in the field of genetics especially. Reclassification of species has been relatively frequent during the last few years.

For up to date species identification and taxonomy we rely on CITES (CITES Wiki Identification Manual), ITIS (Integrated Taxonomic Information System) and the J.Craig Venter Institute with The TIGR (The Institute for Genomic Research) Reptile Database, respectively.