Japanese grass lizard; lacertid lizard
Refers to lizards of the family Lacertidae, especially the common Japanese grass lizard (Takydromus tachydromoides). Usually written in kana.
I found a Japanese grass lizard in the garden.
Japanese grass lizards eat insects.
トカゲ is a general term for lizards, while カナヘビ refers specifically to lacertid lizards, especially the Japanese grass lizard.
Katakana spelling is common for this animal name; usually written in kana.
Hiragana spelling, also common.
Rare kanji form; it is rarely used.
Rare kanji form; it is rarely used.
The origin is uncertain. The name may derive from 金蛇 (kana-hebi, literally 'metal snake'), referring to its shiny appearance, but this is not confirmed.