# 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. - **Category:** [Reptiles](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/reptile) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Habitat:** Rocky areas and deserts - **Also known as:** Common Collared Lizard ![Collared Lizard](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771424423/objects/5710.jpg) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Squamata - **Order:** Lacertilia - **Family:** Crotaphytidae - **Genus:** Crotaphytus ## 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 - **Bipedal Runner:** Collared Lizards can run on two legs because powerful hind limbs and a long tail provide balance, helping them make swift escapes. - **Tail Dropper:** Collared Lizards can drop their tail because it wiggles when detached, distracting predators while the lizard quickly escapes danger. - **Powerful Chompers:** 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 - **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-fence-lizard) (*Sceloporus undulatus*) — Collared Lizards sometimes prey on smaller lizards. - **Eaten by:** [Coachwhip](https://www.snappit.app/explore/coachwhip) (*Masticophis flagellum*) — These swift snakes are a predator of Collared Lizards. - **Eaten by:** [Red-tailed Hawk](https://www.snappit.app/explore/red-tailed-hawk) (*Buteo jamaicensis*) — A common bird of prey that hunts ground-dwelling reptiles. ## Traits - [Wildlife](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wildlife): Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats. - [Camouflaged](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/camouflaged): Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Insectivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/insectivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Speedster](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/speedster): This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel. ## Collections - [Reptiles](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/reptiles) - [Reptiles & Amphibians](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/reptiles-and-amphibians) ## Safety **Danger:** 2/5 · Low Look but don’t touch. Keep a safe distance and wash hands after exploring. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Collared Lizard? Compare toes, scales, head shape, crests and tail proportions. Many lizards can drop and regrow their tails, so a short tail isn't always a species trait. Lizard Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Collared Lizard? 20-35 cm ### How much does Collared Lizard weigh? 0.06-0.1 kg ### How long does Collared Lizard live? 6-10 years ### How fast can Collared Lizard move? 25 km/h ### What does Collared Lizard eat? They are quick hunters, munching on insects and smaller creatures. ### Where is Collared Lizard usually found? Rocky areas and deserts ### How does Collared Lizard hunt? Pursuit ## More Reptiles - [Pond Slider](https://www.snappit.app/explore/pond-slider) (*Trachemys scripta*) - [Western Fence Lizard](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-fence-lizard) (*Sceloporus occidentalis*) - [Common Five-lined Skink](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-five-lined-skink) (*Plestiodon fasciatus*) - [Desert Spiny Lizard](https://www.snappit.app/explore/desert-spiny-lizard) (*Sceloporus magister*) --- Source: [Collared Lizard: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collared-lizard)