Collared and Leopard Lizards | Herps of Texas

Crotaphytus collaris

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Scientific name. Crotaphytus collaris

Common Name. Eastern Collared Lizard

General information. This wary lizard is quick to take cover and can easily jump from rock to rock or run away on their hind limbs. When escape is not possible, collared lizards will try to appear threatening with its mouth open ready to bite. This lizard species is diurnal and a hearty eater, consuming insects, spiders, snakes, and smaller lizards. It may run on its hind limbs in pursuit of prey.

Protected status. The Eastern Collared Lizard is not a protected species in Texas and can be legally collected with a hunting license.

Diagnostic features. Slender neck and large, broad head Black throat lining Rounded body with small scales.

Coloration. Dorsal ground color varies with age, sex and location from dark green to blue or light brown to pale yellow. Head, body, legs, and tail are sprinkled with small white spots. Darker red, yellow, or brown bands across body may be present Two black collar markings are distinctive Vibrant green dorsal coloration of males generally more vivid than females. Males with yellow or orange throats Females have red spots on sides and neck when gravid.

General distribution. In North America, Crotaphytus collaris is found from eastern Missouri west to Utah and south to Texas and northern Mexico.

Texas distribution. In Texas, Crotaphytus collaris is found in the central and western portions of the state.

Habitat. The eastern collared lizard lives and basks among rock piles in arid or semi-arid environments. This lizard also prefers limestone ledges which provide many crevices for protection and open spaces for running.

Reproduction. Breeding takes place from April to June with egg clutches (4-24) laid in loose, sandy soil or burrows around July. The young are distinctively marked with dark cross bands which fade with age.

Size. Adult Crotaphytus collaris grow to lengths of 20-35 cm (8-14 in), including tail.

Map. Orange counties indicate new county records since previous Herps of Texas update in 1998; all other colored counties reflect known distribution prior to 1998 for species and/or subspecies. Map is based on museum voucher specimens.

Crotaphytus reticulatus

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Scientific name. Crotaphytus reticulatus

Common Name. Reticulate Collared Lizard

General information. This diurnal lizard is quick and active. This lizard species often basks atop rocks and fence posts (where it is quite conspicuous) and will shelters beneath debris and in burrows. Reticulate collared lizards feed on insects, spiders, small reptiles, and small mammals.

Protected status. The Reticulate Collared Lizard is considered an threatened species by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and is fully protected by the state.

Diagnostic features. Large head and slender neck Long, slightly flattened tail (twice the length of the head and body). Strong limbs, with hind limbs longer than forelimbs

Coloration. Gray or brown ground color with light colored network of lines on dorsal surface Symmetric black spots fill in some of the pattern of the dorsal surface Cream-colored ventral surface Males have black collar markings and yellow chest and forelegs during breeding season Females have pink throats and red bars on sides of the body when gravid.

General distribution. In North America, Crotaphytus reticulatus is found in the Rio Grande Valley of south Texas and Mexico.

Texas distribution. In Texas, Crotaphytus reticulatus is found along the Rio Grande in the southern portion of the state, excluding the coastal areas.

Habitat. The reticulate collared lizard occupies a variety of habitats, which include rock piles, escarpments, burrows in brushy environments.

Reproduction. Breeding times are not known, but females lay eggs in midsummer months. The young are distinctively marked with yellow or orange bands and black spots.

Size. Adult Crotaphytus reticulatus can reach lengths of 20-42 cm (8-16.75 in).

Gambelia wislizenii

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Scientific name. Gambelia wislizenii

Common Name. Long-nosed Leopard Lizard

General information. The Long-nosed Leopard Lizard is quick and active. When hiding beneath widely spaced clumps of vegetation, this is a particularly difficult species to spot. Leopard lizards feed on insects, spiders, and small lizards, occasionally eating others of its own species. Leopard lizards will hiss when threatened and will bite.

Protected status. The Long-nosed Leopard Lizard is not a protected species in Texas and can be legally collected with a hunting license.

Diagnostic features. Slender lizard with an elongated head and black throat lining. Long, rounded tail (about twice the length of the head and body)

Coloration. Gray or brown ground color with dark brown or black spots on body, limbs, and tail Dorsal color varies with environment, temperature, and activity Pale colored ventral surface Females have red or orange bars or spots on side of body and underside of tail just before laying eggs.

General distribution. In North America, Gambelia wislizenii is found from California, Nevada and Utah to extreme west Texas and northern Mexico.

Texas distribution. In Texas, Gambelia wislizenii is found west of the Pecos River through Big Bend to El Paso.

Habitat. The Long-nosed Leopard Lizard occupies flat and arid habitats with loose, sandy soil and little vegetation.

Reproduction. Breeding occurs April-June with females laying 2-4 eggs in mid-summer and hatching in August.

Size. Gambelia wislizenii can reach an adult length (including tail) of 21-38 cm (8.5-15 in).