# Reticulated Collared Lizard (*crotaphytus reticulatus*) The Reticulated Collared Lizard is a colorful lizard that loves to bask in the sun! With its striking patterns, it can be spotted darting around in its natural habitat. - **Category:** [Reptiles](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/reptile) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** They primarily live in rocky areas, deserts, and scrublands. - **Also known as:** Crotaphytus Lizard, Reticulated Lizard ![Reticulated Collared Lizard](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Crotaphytus_reticulatus.jpg&width=800) Photo: Neil Balchan, CC BY 4.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Crotaphytus_reticulatus.jpg) ## Appearance The Reticulated Collared Lizard is a striking reptile with a tan to olive-brown body covered in a delicate, dark net-like pattern. It features two prominent black bands on its neck, forming a distinct 'collar', and often has scattered light spots. Males can display vibrant turquoise during breeding. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Squamata - **Order:** Lacertilia - **Family:** Crotaphytidae - **Genus:** Crotaphytus ## Interesting facts - Collared lizards are known for their distinctive 'head bob' communication signals! - Males 'push-up' to show off their strength to rivals during territorial displays! - These lizards are often called 'dinosaur lizards' due to their powerful build! - They can eat venomous scorpions, being immune to their painful stings! ## Special abilities - **Dash Runner:** Reticulated Collared Lizards can run on their hind legs because it helps them achieve incredible bursts of speed to escape danger. - **Crushing Bite:** Reticulated Collared Lizards have very strong jaws that help them crush the exoskeletons of insects and overpower small prey. - **Tail Detach:** Reticulated Collared Lizards can detach their tail if caught, creating a wriggling distraction that helps them escape predators. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 20-25 cm - **Weight:** 0.03-0.06 kg - **Lifespan:** 5-8 years - **Speed:** 24 km/h - **Clutch Size:** 2-13 - **Incubation:** 50-70 days ## Diet & Feeding These fast hunters love munching on insects, spiders, and even smaller lizards! - **Primary Foods:** Grasshoppers, Beetles, Crickets, Spiders, Scorpions, Smaller Lizards - **Foraging Method:** Ambush ## Ecological connections - **Hunts:** [Gray Bird Grasshopper](https://www.snappit.app/explore/gray-bird-grasshopper) (*Schistocerca nitens*) — A major food source for these hungry lizards. - **Hunts:** [Tiger Centipede](https://www.snappit.app/explore/tiger-centipede) (*Scolopendra polymorpha*) — A challenging meal, but they are immune to some venoms. - **Hunts:** Green Anole (*Anolis carolinensis*) — Will prey on smaller lizard species in their territory. - **Eaten by:** [Coachwhip](https://www.snappit.app/explore/coachwhip) (*Masticophis flagellum*) — A fast snake that preys on lizards in their habitat. - **Eaten by:** [Red-tailed Hawk](https://www.snappit.app/explore/red-tailed-hawk) (*Buteo jamaicensis*) — These raptors hunt collared lizards from above. ## Traits - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Carnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/carnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. ## Collections - [Reptiles](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/reptiles) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low No special safety notes yet. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Reticulated 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 Reticulated Collared Lizard? 20-25 cm ### How much does Reticulated Collared Lizard weigh? 0.03-0.06 kg ### How long does Reticulated Collared Lizard live? 5-8 years ### How fast can Reticulated Collared Lizard move? 24 km/h ### What does Reticulated Collared Lizard eat? These fast hunters love munching on insects, spiders, and even smaller lizards! ### Where is Reticulated Collared Lizard usually found? They primarily live in rocky areas, deserts, and scrublands. ### How does Reticulated Collared Lizard hunt? Ambush ## 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: [Reticulated Collared Lizard: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/reticulated-collared-lizard)