Collared Lizard

Crotaphytus nebrius Axtell &

The Collared Lizard is a colorful lizard that loves to bask on rocks! It has beautiful blue and green colors.

Habitat: Rocky areas and deserts

Appearance

The Collared Lizard has a stocky body with a large head and a long tail. It is typically brightly colored in shades of green, blue, or yellow, often adorned with distinctive black bands forming a 'collar' around its neck.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassSquamataOrderLacertiliaFamilyCrotaphytidaeGenusCrotaphytus

Collared Lizard

Interesting facts

Collared Lizards are expert climbers, using strong claws to scale rocks and boulders.

Collared Lizards bask on sunny rocks to warm up, ready to hunt.

Males do push-ups to show off strength and scare rivals away.

These lizards are super territorial, chasing away other lizards from their home.

Special abilities

Collared Lizards can run on two legs because powerful hind limbs and a long tail provide balance, helping them make swift escapes.

Collared Lizards can drop their tail because it wiggles when detached, distracting predators while the lizard quickly escapes danger.

Collared Lizards have strong jaws and sharp teeth that help them crush hard-shelled insects and capture other small lizards.

Measurements & details

Length: 20-35 cm
Weight: 0.06-0.1 kg
Lifespan: 6-10 years
Top Speed: 25 km/h
Clutch Size: 2-13
Incubation: 50-70 days

Diet & Feeding

They are quick hunters, munching on insects and smaller creatures.

Primary Foods

crickets
grasshoppers
beetles
spiders
small lizards
small snakes

Foraging Method

Pursuit

Ecological connections

hunts

Gray Bird Grasshopper

Schistocerca nitens

A common prey item in their arid habitat.

hunts

Western Field Cricket

Gryllus assimilis

An abundant insect source for these lizards.

hunts

Eastern Fence Lizard

Sceloporus undulatus

Collared Lizards sometimes prey on smaller lizards.

eaten by

Coachwhip

Masticophis flagellum

These swift snakes are a predator of Collared Lizards.

eaten by

Red-tailed Hawk

Buteo jamaicensis

A common bird of prey that hunts ground-dwelling reptiles.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Camouflaged

Look closely for animals that are masters of disguise, blending perfectly into their surroundings! Their colors and patterns help them hide from others.

Colorful

Discover amazing plants and animals that show off a dazzling array of bright and beautiful hues! They use their vibrant colors to attract attention or send signals.

Insectivorous

Discover clever creatures that specialize in munching on insects, playing a super important role in keeping bug populations in check. They are nature's tiny bug vacuums!

Diurnal

Wake up with creatures that are most active during the day! They love the sunshine for finding food, playing, and exploring.

Speedster

Discover creatures that dart, zip, and fly with incredible swiftness, making them masters of rapid movement in their habitats. They are built for speed, whether chasing prey or escaping danger.