Tuatara
The last of its kind from 200 million years ago. You've outlasted a few eras yourself.
The last of its kind from 200 million years ago. You've outlasted a few eras yourself.
Lifespan
85 years
Your age
20
Height
2 ft long
Weight
2-2.5 lbs
Habitat
New Zealand
Are you older than a Tuatara?
No — a Tuatara can live up to 85 years. You have 65 years to go.
At your age (20), a Tuatara has already first breeding season (at age 20), but hasn't yet became a territory holder (at age 40).
In 2006, when you were born
Population
48,000
Still alive today
16,222
Population trend
➡️ Stable
Current population
50,000
Conservation status
VulnerableTuatara Life Timeline
Meet the tuatara, a remarkable reptile that has been hanging around since the time of the dinosaurs. This living fossil is the only surviving member of the order Rhynchocephalia, which thrived over 200 million years ago. With its spiky crest and unique appearance, the tuatara looks like it just stepped out of a prehistoric movie set, reminding us that evolution can be a slow and steady process — like waiting for your Wi-Fi to connect.
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Tuatara are nocturnal creatures, primarily found on the islands of New Zealand, where they thrive in burrows and enjoy a diet of insects, worms, and small invertebrates. These reptiles have a fascinating life cycle; they can take up to 20 years to reach sexual maturity, and their breeding season is a long one, occurring every two to five years. Their slow growth and long lifespan mean that they have a unique place in their ecosystem, often referred to as a 'keystone species' due to their role in controlling insect populations and maintaining the health of their habitat. Just think of them as the wise old sages of the reptile world, imparting wisdom... or at least some very slow-moving advice.
Hatched from an egg
A tuatara hatches from a leathery egg, emerging into the world as a tiny, vulnerable creature. It's a big leap from the cozy confines of its egg to the wild, where it must learn to fend for itself.
A tuatara hatches from its egg at just 0 months old. At that age, most humans are a newborn. Are you older than a tuatara when it hatches from its egg?
And they're off! The tuatara comes out of the gate — hatched from an egg. The human at 0 months? Can't even hold their own head up. Not even close.
Began to hunt for food
By the age of five, a tuatara starts to venture out of its burrow to hunt for insects and worms, developing its skills as a stealthy predator.
A tuatara reaches its began to hunt for food stage by age 5. At that age, most humans are starting kindergarten. Are you older than a tuatara when it reaches its began to hunt for food stage?
The tuatara is pulling ahead — already began to hunt for food! The human at age 5? Is starting kindergarten and losing their first tooth. It's not even a contest yet.
Established a home range
By the age of ten, a tuatara has established its home range, marking its territory and defending it against rivals, much like a teenager claiming their room.
A tuatara establishes a home range by age 10. At that age, most humans are a pre-teen. Are you older than a tuatara when it establishes a home range?
The tuatara is pulling ahead — already established a home range! The human at age 10? Is a pre-teen begging for a phone and staying up too late. It's not even a contest yet.
Reaches sexual maturity
At 15 years old, a tuatara reaches sexual maturity, ready to participate in the slow and deliberate courtship rituals that will lead to reproduction.
A tuatara reaches sexual maturity by age 15. At that age, most humans are in high school. Are you older than a tuatara when it reaches sexual maturity?
The tuatara extends its lead — reaches sexual maturity. At the same age, a human is in high school, learning to drive and overthinking everything. The gap is widening fast.
First breeding season
By 20, a tuatara participates in its first breeding season, engaging in elaborate courtship displays that may involve head-bobbing and pushing matches.
A tuatara reaches its first breeding season by age 20. At that age, most humans are in college. Are you older than a tuatara when it reaches its first breeding season?
The tuatara keeps pushing — first breeding season. A human at age 20 is in college, surviving on ramen and bad decisions. The contrast is getting wild.
Became a territory holder
At 40 years old, a tuatara has likely established itself as a dominant male or female, holding territory and ensuring its genes are passed on to the next generation.
A tuatara becomes a territory holder by age 40. At that age, most humans are in midlife. Are you older than a tuatara when it becomes a territory holder?
Became a territory holder — the tuatara is in its prime. A human at this age is in midlife — kids growing up, career peaking, maybe eyeing a sports car. Both running their own race now.
Grandparent to many
By 60, a tuatara may have become a grandparent, with several offspring having hatched and begun their own lives, keeping the lineage alive.
A tuatara reaches its grandparent to many stage by age 60. At that age, most humans are becoming grandparents. Are you older than a tuatara when it reaches its grandparent to many stage?
The tuatara is starting to ease up — grandparent to many. But the human at age 60? Is becoming a grandparent and planning retirement adventures. The tables are turning.
Reigning elder
At 85 years old, a tuatara is a revered elder in its community, imparting wisdom to younger generations and continuing to play a vital role in its ecosystem.
A tuatara reaches its reigning elder stage by age 85. At that age, most humans are in their eighties. Are you older than a tuatara when it reaches its reigning elder stage?
And that's the race for the tuatara — reigning elder. A human at this age is in their eighties, surrounded by family, a life well lived. What a run it's been.
Great-grandparent status
By age 100, a tuatara's lineage has produced roughly 5 generations of descendants. With a generation time of about 20 years, that's roughly 5 generations — several of descendants carrying on the family legacy.
A tuatara reaches its great-grandparent status stage by age 100. At that age, most humans are the oldest human ever. Are you older than a tuatara when it reaches its great-grandparent status stage?
Great-grandparent status — proof that this tuatara's impact didn't end at the finish line. A human at age 100 has outlived almost everyone — only Jeanne Calment made it to 122. Legacy is the longest race of all.
Legacy of the ancient
By age 120, a tuatara's lineage has produced roughly 6 generations of descendants. With a generation time of about 20 years, that's roughly 6 generations — several of descendants carrying on the family legacy.
A tuatara reaches its legacy of the ancient stage by age 120. At that age, most humans are the oldest human ever. Are you older than a tuatara when it reaches its legacy of the ancient stage?
Legacy of the ancient — proof that this tuatara's impact didn't end at the finish line. A human at age 120 has outlived almost everyone — only Jeanne Calment made it to 122. Legacy is the longest race of all.
Ecosystem influencer
By age 150, a tuatara's lineage has produced roughly 7 generations of descendants. With a generation time of about 20 years, that's roughly 7 generations — several of descendants carrying on the family legacy.
A tuatara reaches its ecosystem influencer stage by age 150. At that age, most humans are well past any human lifespan. Are you older than a tuatara when it reaches its ecosystem influencer stage?
Long past any human finish line: ecosystem influencer at age 150. Even Jeanne Calment — the oldest human ever at 122 — would need a second life to get here. The tuatara's legacy is measured in eras, not years.
Lifespan Comparison
This species can live 1.1× longer than a human.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How old is a Tuatara when it hatched from an egg?
A tuatara hatches from a leathery egg, emerging into the world as a tiny, vulnerable creature. It's a big leap from the cozy confines of its egg to the wild, where it must learn to fend for itself.
How old is a Tuatara when it began to hunt for food?
By the age of five, a tuatara starts to venture out of its burrow to hunt for insects and worms, developing its skills as a stealthy predator.
How old is a Tuatara when it established a home range?
By the age of ten, a tuatara has established its home range, marking its territory and defending it against rivals, much like a teenager claiming their room.
How old is a Tuatara when it reaches sexual maturity?
At 15 years old, a tuatara reaches sexual maturity, ready to participate in the slow and deliberate courtship rituals that will lead to reproduction.
How old is a Tuatara when it first breeding season?
By 20, a tuatara participates in its first breeding season, engaging in elaborate courtship displays that may involve head-bobbing and pushing matches.
How old is a Tuatara when it became a territory holder?
At 40 years old, a tuatara has likely established itself as a dominant male or female, holding territory and ensuring its genes are passed on to the next generation.
Am I older than a Tuatara?
A Tuatara has a typical lifespan of 85 years. If you are older than 85, you have outlived a typical Tuatara. The Tuatara is currently classified as Vulnerable with an estimated population of 50,000.