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Collared Lizards (Crotaphytus spp) |
 DESCRIPTION:
L=10-12" (25-30cm) including tail. Overall background color varies,
including yellowish, greenish, bluish, olive, or brown. Body and tail
covered with spots. Has two dark collars behind massive head with large
jaw muscles. Scales are very fine, giving smooth appearance (in contrast
to Spiny Lizards that have keeled scales).
Females, when pregnant, often have bright red or orangish spots and bars
on the sides of their neck and body. Adult males tend to be greener than
females, who are only slightly green.NATURAL HISTORY: Carnivorous, feeding mainly on insects (especially grasshoppers) and lizards (including other collared lizards). Fast runners, they may even run on just their hind two legs, with their body held at a 45 degree angle. Lays eggs. Males are territorial and often may be seen doing head-bobs and "push-ups" (see below). |
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Lizards use various displays, including "push-ups" (see short movie),head-bobs, dewlap displays, body inflation, and gaping, to signal dominance or courtship. Some signals are only for members of the same species, while the same or other signals are used on other species. Using these species-specific, ritualistic signals reduces the need for outright combat and helps individuals recognize other members of their own species for mating. |
| Site Map |
last
updated
June 28, 2002
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