The Reptilians/Headscratchers


 * Why is it that in fiction, female reptilian humanoids are smaller than the males or, at best, about the same size? According to actual reptiles, they should probably be either the same size or larger -- due to the mechanics of mating in reptiles, it's rare for females to be smaller. Actually, this applies to other types turned into anthropomorphic animals, not just reptiles, but that's where I notice it the most.
 * Most likely as a function of the same rules that make them humanoid. A lot of Petting Zoo People have traits their animal species would suggest they shouldn't, like bipedal movement, opposable thumbs, two breasts, etc. You don't really need to start worrying until reptiles start wearing that last pair.
 * Snakes and some turtles have bigger females. Lizards and crocs generally have much larger males.
 * We're used to mammals, where the male is larger far more often, including in the case of humans ourselves. We therefore expect this of any species, assuming we (like many series creators) Did Not Do the Research.
 * How come nobody gives a gargoyle the ability to spit water at a long range? I mean, it's where their names come from, for pete's sake! Why don't people give them a 'water spout' spitting technique?
 * This Troper did! Too bad nothing's been published outside of Deviant ART..
 * ... Wow, that is an awesome idea. Don't worry, I'll use it!
 * Why do people portray Gargoyles as stoned goblins with wings, when they were originally giant sea dragons that shot water out of their mouths at a high velocity?
 * Why is it that Reptiles, almost regardless of other factors, are portrayed as villians I would even go to say it borderlines on racism, like just change the word reptile to Black, Jew, Communist, or whatever flavor-of-the-week-enemy is, and you get Propaganda. I get the 'otherness' factor but that doesn't seem to cover it.
 * Because any reptiles' appearance and body language, when viewed by a human, makes it look like they're up to something. Which is the whole reason for Reptiles Are Abhorrent.
 * Except for the "cute" ones. What's with that? Aren't lizards and snakes just as cute as turtles?
 * Is there some kind of sliding scale for animal evil? Basically, the uglier ones tend to get evil fictional counterparts while the cute ones are usually portrayed as nice. Repitles and amphibians are kinda in the middle since opinions vary as to how cute they are.
 * A lot of reptiles (not all, but enough for a memorable impression) move slowly, get angry easily, are not too social, don't express emotions much, make grunting and hissing sounds, dislike attention, have rough wrinkly skin, and attack humans. To humans, they're much like that grumpy old man who yells at kids to get off his lawn. (This is the same reason why birds, despite being a sort of reptile, tend to be portrayed as good: They display a lot of behavior humans consider socially positive.) Turtles are exempt because they like human attention; geckos are exempt because they have tight babylike skin, are small, have large curious eyes, and move fast; chameleons are sometimes exempt because they have many unusual characteristics and are friendly to people; and to some extent, some dragons are exempt because they're mythical and majestic.
 * Where is the main page for this JBM? I mean, yeah, I am totally against the Reptiles Are Abhorrent trope, like a lot, but there is no Reptilian Humanoid Trope. I kinda want one, though...
 * That'd be Lizard Folk.


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