# 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. - **Category:** [Reptiles](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/reptile) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 4 - **Habitat:** Desert ![Orange-throated Whiptail](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Cnemidophorus_hyperythrus.jpg&width=800) Photo: Public domain · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cnemidophorus_hyperythrus.jpg) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Squamata - **Order:** Lacertilia - **Family:** Teiidae - **Genus:** Aspidoscelis ## 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 - **Escape Artist Tail:** Orange-throated Whiptail can drop its tail if caught, which wiggles to distract predators while the lizard runs away. - **Ground Inspector:** Orange-throated Whiptail has a forked tongue that constantly samples the ground, helping them sniff out hidden insects and food. - **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 - **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/gopher-snake) (*Pituophis catenifer*) — A common snake predator in its habitat. - **Eaten by:** [Red-tailed Hawk](https://www.snappit.app/explore/red-tailed-hawk) (*Buteo jamaicensis*) — A keen-eyed bird of prey that hunts from above. - **Eats:** [California Harvester Ant](https://www.snappit.app/explore/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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/arboreal): Arboreal animals live primarily in trees, utilizing them for shelter, food, and protection from predators. - [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. - [Desert](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/desert): Desert habitats are arid regions characterized by extremely low precipitation and often extreme temperatures, supporting specialized flora and fauna. - [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) ## 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 to identify Orange-throated Whiptail? 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 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 ## Where to spot - [Cabrillo National Monument](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/cabrillo-national-monument) — California, US · National Park - [Heilman Villas](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/heilman-villas) — California, US · Historic District ## 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: [Orange-throated Whiptail: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/orange-throated-whiptail)