Orange-throated Whiptail
ExploreReptiles
Orange-throated Whiptail
Aspidoscelis hyperythrus
The Orange-throated Whiptail is a colorful lizard with a bright orange throat and a long, slender body. They love to bask in the sun and can be found darting around in their habitats.
Habitat: Desert
Appearance
The Orange-throated Whiptail is a slender lizard with a long, whip-like tail that can be twice its body length. It has a distinctive bright orange throat, often with a pale brown or reddish-brown back marked with dark stripes or spots, making it stand out.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassSquamataOrderLacertiliaFamilyTeiidaeGenusAspidoscelis
Category
ReptilesRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Female whiptails dig underground nests to keep their eggs safe and warm.
Their bodies soak up sun like a solar panel to warm up for hunting.
They use their long tails for balance while running super fast!
Whiptails often run on just two legs for short, speedy bursts!
Special abilities
Ability
Escape Artist Tail
Orange-throated Whiptail can drop its tail if caught, which wiggles to distract predators while the lizard runs away.
Ability
Ground Inspector
Orange-throated Whiptail has a forked tongue that constantly samples the ground, helping them sniff out hidden insects and food.
Ability
Lightning Runner
Orange-throated Whiptail can dart across sandy terrain at impressive speeds, allowing them to chase prey and evade quick predators.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 15-25 cm
- Weight
- 0.005-0.015 kg
- Lifespan
- 3-5 years
- Top Speed
- 20 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 1-5
- Incubation
- 45-60 days
Diet & Feeding
These active lizards are expert insect hunters, gobbling up small creepy crawlies.
Primary Foods
- ants
- termites
- spiders
- beetles
- crickets
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
Gopher Snake
Pituophis catenifer
A common snake predator in its habitat.
eaten by
Red-tailed Hawk
Buteo jamaicensis
A keen-eyed bird of prey that hunts from above.
eats
California Harvester Ant
Pogonomyrmex californicus
Actively hunts these ants from their nests.
eats
Carolina Wolf Spider
Hogna carolinensis
Hunts various ground-dwelling spiders.
Traits
Arboreal
Arboreal animals live primarily in trees, utilizing them for shelter, food, and protection from predators.
Camouflaged
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Insectivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.
Desert
Desert habitats are arid regions characterized by extremely low precipitation and often extreme temperatures, supporting specialized flora and fauna.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Speedster
This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
If you see a lizard, watch it from a distance and don't try to catch it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Orange-throated Whiptail?
15-25 cm
How much does Orange-throated Whiptail weigh?
0.005-0.015 kg
How long does Orange-throated Whiptail live?
3-5 years
How fast can Orange-throated Whiptail move?
20 km/h
What does Orange-throated Whiptail eat?
These active lizards are expert insect hunters, gobbling up small creepy crawlies.
Where is Orange-throated Whiptail usually found?
Desert
How does Orange-throated Whiptail hunt?
Foraging
How many eggs does Orange-throated Whiptail lay?
1-5
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
.jpg&width=800)
