Whiptails | Herps of Texas

Aspidoscelis dixoni

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

Scientific name. Aspidoscelis dixoni

Common Name. Gray Checkered Whiptail

General information. This diurnal lizard actively forages for insects under low shrubs. Aspidoscelis dixoni is very wary, and quickly retreats to a nearby burrow if threatened.

Protected status. The Gray Checkered Whiptail is not a protected species in Texas and can be legally collected with a hunting license.

Diagnostic features. Slender lizard with small, granular dorsal scales Belly with 8 rows of large, rectangular scales

Coloration. Dorsal ground color is black. Dorsal pattern consists of 10-12 light stripes and a sprinkling of light colored scales, giving a checkered effect Tail at base and hips with rusty red coloration Ventral surface is white and unmarked.

General distribution. In North America, Aspidoscelis dixoni is restricted to two small populations, one in New Mexico and the other in Texas.

Texas distribution. Aspidoscelis dixoni is only found in a small part of Presidio County in the Big Bend region of Texas.

Habitat. This lizard can be seen in gravelly areas such as dry riverbeds and floodplains with sparse vegetation.

Reproduction. No males of Aspidoscelis dixoni exist, the species is entirely comprised of females. Reproduction occurs through parthenogenesis. Unfertilized eggs are laid in midsummer. Hatchlings appear six weeks later.

Size. Adult Aspidoscelis dixoni can grow to a total length 20-31 cm (8-12.5 in).

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.

Aspidoscelis exsanguis

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

Scientific name. Aspidoscelis exsanguis

Common Name. Chihuahuan Spotted Whiptail

General information. This diurnal lizard actively forages for insects in leaf litter and debris. Aspidoscelis exsanguis is seen in the open, but remains near protective cover.

Protected status. The Chihuahuan Spotted Whiptail is not a protected species in Texas and can be legally collected with a hunting license.

Diagnostic features. Slender lizard. Narrow head Small, granular dorsal scales with enlarged scales on back of forelimbs and on front edge of throat fold Belly with 8 rows of large, rectangular scales. Comparatively long tail, about 3 times the head-body length

Coloration. Dorsal ground color is brown or red-brown. Dorsal pattern consists of 6 light stripes that run from the head to the hips. The stripes are pale yellow to beige with light colored spots occurring on and between the stripes Ventral surface is white or pale blue Tail is grayish blue to green.

General distribution. In North America, Aspidoscelis exsanguis is seen in the Chihuahuan Desert of Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and Mexico.

Texas distribution. In Texas, Aspidoscelis exsanguis is found across the western half of the Trans-Pecos region.

Habitat. This upland lizard can be seen in a variety of habitats ranging from desert grasslands to rocky slopes to canyon bottoms, or similar areas subject to periodic flooding.

Reproduction. This species is made up of all females; there are no males of Aspidoscelis exsanguis. Reproduction occurs through parthenogenesis. One to six unfertilized eggs are laid in mid- to late summer. Hatchlings appear six weeks later.

Size. Adult Aspidoscelis exsanguis grow to 24-31 cm (9.5-12.5 in) in total length.

Aspidoscelis gularis

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

Scientific name. Aspidoscelis gularis

Common Name. Common Spotted Whiptail

General information. This diurnal lizard actively forages for termites, caterpillars, and large insects in sand and debris. Aspidoscelis gularis will run if threatened, but generally it is not as wary as other whiptails.

Protected status. The Common Spotted Whiptail not a protected species in Texas and can be legally collected with a hunting license.

Diagnostic features. Slender lizard with comparatively long tail, about 3 times the head-body length Small, granular dorsal scales with enlarged scales on back of forelimbs and along front edge of throat Belly with 8 rows of large, rectangular scales.

Coloration. Dorsal ground color is brown or green-brown. Dorsal pattern consists of 7 light stripes that run from the head to the hips with the broad middorsal stripe split into two lines in some specimens; light colored spots occur on the sides between the stripes. Tail is pink to orange Adults with sexually dimorphic coloration: males with red throat, blue belly, and black or blue coloration on chest; females with pink throat and white, unmarked belly.

General distribution. In North America, Aspidoscelis gularis has a broad range throughout most of Texas, parts of Oklahoma and New Mexico, and into northeastern Mexico.

Texas distribution. In Texas, Aspidoscelis gularis is found throughout much of the state except extreme west, north, and east Texas.

Habitat. Aspidoscelis gularis can be seen in a variety of habitats ranging from rocky slopes near floodplains to prairies to canyons and is almost always near a watercourse.

Reproduction. Breeding occurs in the spring and eggs are laid in May and June. Females lay 1-5 eggs. A second clutch may be laid in late July. Hatchlings have pink or red tails and hips.

Size. Maximum total length in Aspidoscelis gularis ranges from 16-28 cm (6.5-11 in).

Aspidoscelis inornata

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

Scientific name. Aspidoscelis inornata

Common Name. Little Striped Whiptail

General information. This diurnal lizard forages for large insects and spiders. Aspidoscelis inornata is wary of being approached, and will hide under vegetation or in a burrow if threatened.

Protected status. The Little Striped Whiptail is not a protected species in Texas and can be legally collected with a hunting license.

Diagnostic features. Slender lizard with a comparatively long tail, about 3 times the head-body length Small, granular dorsal scales with enlarged scales on back of forelimbs and along the front edge of throat fold Belly with 8 rows of large, rectangular scales

Coloration. Dorsal ground color dark gray or black. Dorsal pattern consists of 6-8 light stripes that run from the head onto the tail; no spots occur between the stripes. Blue coloration on sides of head Ventral surface blue, though adult males have much deeper blue on ventral surface than females.

General distribution. In North America, Aspidoscelis inornata is found in west Texas and adjacent Mexico and New Mexico.

Texas distribution. A single subspecies of Aspidoscelis inornata, A. i. heptagramma, is found in Texas, present throughout the western portion of the state.

Habitat. Aspidoscelis inornata can be seen rocky slopes or grassy flatlands in arid and semi-arid environments. It is sometimes seen in sandy soil environments.

Reproduction. Breeding occurs in the spring and eggs are laid from May to July. Females lay 2-4 eggs. Hatchlings have a pale blue venter.

Size. Adult Aspidoscelis inornata grow to 11-24 cm (6.5-9.5 in).

Aspidoscelis laredoensis

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

Scientific name. Aspidoscelis laredoensis

Common Name. Laredo Striped Whiptail

General information. This diurnal lizard forages for insects among vegetation clumps and leaf litter.

Protected status. The Laredo Striped Whiptail is not a protected species in Texas and can be legally collected with a hunting license.

Diagnostic features. Slender lizard Small, granular dorsal scales with enlarged scales on back of forelimbs. Belly with 8 rows of large, rectangular scales

Coloration. Dorsal ground color dark green or dark brown. Dorsal pattern consists of 7 light stripes that run from the head onto the tail; light spots may occur between the stripes. The middorsal stripe is narrow and may not be continuous. Ventral surface white Tail greenish brown with light tan underside.

General distribution. In North America, Aspidoscelis laredoensis has a small and narrow range in the lower Rio Grande Valley.

Texas distribution. In Texas, Aspidoscelis laredoensis is restricted to the lower Rio Grande Valley from Val Verde County to Cameron County.

Habitat. Aspidoscelis laredoensis is common in disturbed areas with sandy or sandy-loam soil and weedy vegetation. Dirt roadsides, edges of cultivated fields, abandoned lots, and heavily grazed pastures in semi-arid environments are preferred.

Reproduction. Aspidoscelis laredoensis is an all-female species; there are no males in this species. Reproduction occurs through parthenogenesis. One to four unfertilized eggs are laid in midsummer. Hatchlings appear in July and August. Hatchlings have a light, sky-blue tail, but otherwise resemble the adults.

Size. Aspidoscelis laredoensis can grow to a maximum total length of 15- 28 cm(6-11 in).

Aspidoscelis marmorata

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

Scientific name. Aspidoscelis marmorata

Common Name. Marbled Whiptail

General information. This diurnal lizard forages for insects, spiders and scorpions among vegetation clumps. This species is also extremely wary and will retreat to protective cover or dart into burrow if approached.

Protected status. The Marbled Whiptail is not a protected species in Texas and can be legally collected with a hunting license.

Diagnostic features. Slender lizard with a comparatively long tail, almost 3 times the head-body length. Small, granular dorsal scales with enlarged scales in front of throat fold only. Belly with 8 rows of large, rectangular scales

Coloration. Dorsal ground color is gray. Dorsal pattern consists of 4-8 light stripes and a mottling of light and dark spots; there are alternating light and dark bars on the sides of the lizard. Pale peach coloration on throat and chest. Ventral surface white or pale yellow with possible black flecks on chin, throat, and chest Tail gray or greenish gray with black flecks on sides and dark coloration on underside.

General distribution. In North America, Aspidoscelis marmorata has a broad range that includes parts of New Mexico, Texas, and adjacent Mexico.

Texas distribution. In Texas, Aspidoscelis marmorata is found in the western part of the state with isolated populations in the Laredo area.

Habitat. Aspidoscelis marmorata prefers sandy areas with little vegetation and open woodlands in arid and semi-arid environments.

Reproduction. Breeding takes place in April and May. Females lay 1-4 eggs in May. A second egg clutch may be laid in July. Hatchlings appear in July and August. Hatchlings with bright blue tail.

Size. Aspidoscelis marmorata can grow to 20-30 cm (8-12 in).

Aspidoscelis neomexicana

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

Scientific name. Aspidoscelis neomexicana

Common Name. New Mexico Whiptail

General information. This diurnal lizard forages for insects among vegetation and will retreat to protective cover if approached.

Protected status. The New Mexico Whiptail is not a protected species in Texas and can be legally collected with a hunting license.

Diagnostic features. Slender lizard with a comparatively long tail, about 3 times the head-body length Small, granular dorsal scales and eight rows of large, rectangular scales on the belly

Coloration. Dorsal ground color is dark brown to black. Dorsal pattern consists of seven pale yellow stripes with the wavy middorsal stripe forked at the head. Light spots occur between the stripes Pale blue or blue-green throat Belly is white or pale blue. Tail gray at base, changing to green, blue, or brown.

General distribution. In North America, Aspidoscelis neomexicana has a small and narrow range in the Rio Grande Valley from Santa Fe, New Mexico to Presidio County, Texas and adjacent Mexico.

Texas distribution. In Texas, Aspidoscelis neomexicana is found along the Rio Grande in far west Texas from El Paso County to Presidio County.

Habitat. Aspidoscelis neomexicana prefers sandy areas with little vegetation, but can be seen in grasslands, shrublands, and pinon-juniper wooded uplands. This species also can be seen in disturbed areas, such as along fence rows within its range.

Reproduction. Aspidoscelis neomexicana is an all-female species; there are no males in this species. Reproduction occurs through parthenogenesis. Two to four unfertilized eggs are laid in the summer. Hatchlings appear about two months later. Hatchlings with bright blue tail.

Size. Aspidoscelis neomexicana can reach total lengths of 16-24 cm (6.5-9.5 in) as adults.

Aspidoscelis scalaris

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

Scientific name. Aspidoscelis scalaris

Common Name. Plateau Spotted Whiptail

General information. This diurnal lizard forages for insects among vegetation clumps and leaf litter, overturning rocks and sticks with its snout. Its movements are slow and deliberate.

Protected status. The Plateau Spotted Whiptail is not a protected species in Texas and can be legally collected with a hunting license.

Diagnostic features. Slender lizard with comparatively long tail, almost 3 times the head-body length. Small, granular dorsal scales with enlarged scales in front of throat fold and on back of forelimbs Belly with 8 rows of large, rectangular scales.

Coloration. Dorsal ground color dark green, dark brown, or black. Dorsal pattern consists of 6-7 light stripes that run from the head to the hips; white spots occur between the stripes. Ventral surface white or pale blue. Tail at base and hips are rust colored, then tail turns brown or gray. Species is dimorphic with adult females having an orange throat.

General distribution. In North America, Aspidoscelis scalaris has a small range that includes parts of Texas and Mexico.

Texas distribution. In Texas, Aspidoscelis scalaris is found across six counties in the western Trans-Pecos.

Habitat. Aspidoscelis scalaris prefers rocky areas with little vegetation in canyons, desert foothills, or mountains.

Reproduction. Breeding takes place in late spring. Females lay egg clutches in midsummer. Hatchlings with bright blue tail.

Size. Aspidoscelis scalaris reach adult total lengths of 20-31 cm (8-12.5 in).

Aspidoscelis sexlineata

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

Scientific name. Aspidoscelis sexlineata

Common Name. Six-lined Racerunner

General information. Aspidoscelis sexlineata are diurnal lizards are especially active in the morning. They forage for insects and are wary of being approached. They quickly retreat under vegetation or rocks if approached. They burrow in the soil in cooler temperatures.

Protected status. The Six-lined Racerunner is not a protected species in Texas and can be legally collected with a hunting license.

Diagnostic features. Long, strong hind limbs and a comparatively long tail, over twice the head-body length Small dorsal scales with enlarged scales on front edge of throat fold only; belly with 8 rows of large, rectangular scales

Coloration. The three different subspecies in Texas are differentiated by color and pattern All A. sexlineata adults are sexual dimorphic in color: females with light ventral surface and males with pale blue ventral surface. Male Aspidoscelis sexlineata sexlineata have pale green throats.

General distribution. In North America, the range of Aspidoscelis sexlineata covers the Deep South and the Central Plains.

Texas distribution. In Texas, Aspidoscelis sexlineata cover the eastern three-quarters of the state. Aspidoscelis s. sexlineata has the largest range, encompassing most of the state save the Panhandle and west Texas. Aspidoscelis s. viridis is present in the Panhandle; Aspidoscelis sexlineatus stephenseae is restricted to a narrow band in south Texas.

Habitat. Aspidoscelis sexlineata sexlineata prefers open areas with loose soil. It is also seen near wooded areas, on floodplains, and in rocky outcrops Aspidoscelis sexlineata viridis is seen in open areas such as on river banks and grassy plains. It may also be seen in hilly terrains.

Reproduction. Breeding takes place from April to June. Females lay 1-6 eggs in June or July. A second egg deposition may occur three weeks after the first. The eggs hatch from June to September. Hatchlings with bright blue tail.

Size. Aspidoscelis sexlineata can reach 15-26 cm (6-10.5 in) in total length as an adult.

Aspidoscelis tesselata

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

Scientific name. Aspidoscelis tesselata

Common Name. Common Checkered Whiptail

General information. This diurnal lizard forages for insects, scorpions, and spiders. It prefers to live in small, isolated groups.

Protected status. The Common Checkered Whiptail is not a protected species in Texas and can be legally collected with a hunting license.

Diagnostic features. Slender lizard with a comparatively long tail, about 3 times the head-body length. Small dorsal scales and eight rows of large, rectangular scales on the belly.

Coloration. Dorsal ground color and pattern vary widely; typically, the pattern is black spots or bars arranged in a checkered manner on a light ground color and there may be six light stripes. Forelimbs are light with dark spots and hind limbs are dark with light spots. Ventral surface is light with possible dark flecks on chin and chest Yellow or light brown tail with spots on sides.

General distribution. In North America, Aspidoscelis tesselata has a relatively small range that includes parts of Colorado, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Texas, and northern Mexico.

Texas distribution. In Texas, Aspidoscelis tesselata is found in the western part of the state, as well as in the western part of the Panhandle.

Habitat. Almost always associated with rocky terrains, the habitat of Aspidoscelis tesselata varies from open plains to canyons to foothills.

Reproduction. Aspidoscelis tesselata is an all-female species. Reproduction occurs through parthenogenesis. Two to eight unfertilized eggs are laid in the summer. Hatchlings appear in August.

Size. Aspidoscelis tesselata is the largest whiptail species found in Texas, growing to adult total lengths of 16-24 cm (6.5-9.5 in).

Aspidoscelis uniparens

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

Scientific name. Aspidoscelis uniparens

Common Name. Desert Grassland Whiptail

General information. This diurnal lizard forages for insects, looking beneath leaf litter and rocks for its prey.

Protected status. The Desert Grassland Whiptail is not a protected species in Texas and can be legally collected with a hunting license.

Diagnostic features. Slender lizard with a comparatively long tail, about 2 1/2 times the head-body length Small dorsal scales with eight rows of large, rectangular scales on the belly Enlarged scales on front edge of throat fold and on back of forelimbs

Coloration. Dorsal ground color is reddish black. Dorsal pattern consists of six light stripes running the length of the body and onto the tail. The stripes on the back are yellow, and those on the sides appear white No spots between the stripes. Ventral surface is light and unmarked Blue coloration possible on chin and neck of adults Olive or blue-green tail.

General distribution. In North America, Aspidoscelis uniparens has a small range that includes parts of Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and northern Mexico.

Texas distribution. In Texas, Aspidoscelis uniparens is found in the far western part of the state in El Paso County.

Habitat. Aspidoscelis uniparens is often observed in arid or semi-arid desert environments with little vegetation; it also may inhabit lower mountainous regions.

Reproduction. Aspidoscelis uniparens is an all-female species. Reproduction occurs through parthenogenesis. One to four unfertilized eggs are laid in the summer. The hatchlings appear almost two months later. Hatchlings with bright blue tail.

Size. Aspidoscelis uniparens reaches adult lengths of 16-24 cm (6.5-9.5 in).